Monitoring of neuromodulation using biomarkers

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are methods, devices, compositions, and kits for monitoring neuromodulation efficacy based on changes in the level or activity of one or more target biomarkers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of the following pending applications:

(a) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/608,625, filed Mar. 8, 2012;

(b) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/608,626, filed Mar. 8, 2012; and

(c) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/746,528, filed Dec. 27, 2012.

All of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Further, components and features of embodiments disclosed in the applications incorporated by reference may be combined with various components and features disclosed and claimed in the present application.

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION(S0 INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following application is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/791,751, entitled, “BIOMARKER SAMPLING IN THE CONTEXT OF NEUROMODULATION DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS,” filed Mar. 8, 2013, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,597,018 on Mar. 21, 2017.

As such, components and features of embodiments disclosed in this application may be combined with various components and features disclosed in the present application.

BACKGROUND

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is a primarily involuntary bodily control system typically associated with stress responses. Fibers of the SNS innervate tissue in almost every organ system of the human body and can affect characteristics such as pupil diameter, gut motility, and urinary output. Such regulation can have adaptive utility in maintaining homeostasis or in preparing the body for rapid response to environmental factors. Chronic activation of the SNS, however, is a common maladaptive response that can drive the progression of many disease states. Excessive activation of the renal SNS in particular has been identified experimentally and in humans as a likely contributor to the complex pathophysiology of hypertension, states of volume overload (such as heart failure), and progressive renal disease. For example, radiotracer dilution has demonstrated increased renal norepinephrine (NE) spillover rates in patients with essential hypertension.

Cardio-renal sympathetic nerve hyperactivity can be particularly pronounced in patients with heart failure. For example, an exaggerated NE overflow from the heart and kidneys to plasma is often found in these patients. Heightened SNS activation commonly characterizes both chronic and end stage renal disease. In patients with end stage renal disease, NE plasma levels above the median have been demonstrated to be predictive for cardiovascular diseases and several causes of death. This is also true for patients suffering from diabetic or contrast nephropathy. Evidence suggests that sensory afferent signals originating from diseased kidneys are major contributors to initiating and sustaining elevated central sympathetic outflow.

The renal sympathetic nerves arise from T10-L2 and follow the renal artery to the kidney. The sympathetic nerves innervating the kidneys terminate in the blood vessels, the juxtaglomerular apparatus, and the renal tubules. Stimulation of renal efferent nerves results in increased renin release (and subsequent renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation) and sodium retention and decreased renal blood flow. These neural regulation components of renal function are considerably stimulated in disease states characterized by heightened sympathetic tone and likely contribute to increased blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The reduction of renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate as a result of renal sympathetic efferent stimulation is likely a cornerstone of the loss of renal function in cardio-renal syndrome (i.e., renal dysfunction as a progressive complication of chronic heart failure). Pharmacologic strategies to thwart the consequences of renal efferent sympathetic stimulation include centrally acting sympatholytic drugs, beta blockers (intended to reduce renin release), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and receptor blockers (intended to block the action of angiotensin II and aldosterone activation consequent to renin release), and diuretics (intended to counter the renal sympathetic mediated sodium and water retention). These pharmacologic strategies, however, have significant limitations including limited efficacy, compliance issues, side effects, and others.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Illustration of potential target biomarkers for rapid monitoring of renal neuromodulation: artery wall proteins, secreted proteins, enzymes activated as a result of denervation, and secreted small molecules.

FIG. 2: Illustration of target biomarkers exhibiting changes in level or activity as a result of vascular-neuronal cross-talk.

FIG. 3: Illustration of target biomarkers exhibiting changes in level or activity as a surrogate response to neuromodulation (e.g., as a response to RF).

FIG. 4: Examples of target biomarker detection methods: antibody-based detection of artery wall proteins (upper panel), antibody-based detection of secreted proteins (middle panel), and activity-based detection of enzyme activity (lower panel).

FIG. 5: Illustrative digital and analog outputs for displaying a detectable signal generated by the interaction of a target biomarker with a capture or detection agent.

FIG. 6: Quantum dot system for generation of a detectable signal following binding of a target biomarker to an affinity ligand capture agent.

FIG. 7: Illustration of representative electrochemical immunosensor protocols.

FIG. 8: Illustrative target biomarker capture methods: (a) removal from neuromodulation site and sequestration in a capture compartment for analysis in vivo or ex vivo (upper panel) and (b) balloon-based/semi-permeable filtering device with antibody based/immuno-electrochemical technology embedded within for capture and analysis in vivo or ex vivo (lower panel).

FIG. 9A: Representative embodiment of protein target biomarker detection and device.

FIG. 9B: Example illustration of the binding of target biomarkers to one or more immobilized capture agents.

FIG. 9C: Example illustration of the binding of target biomarkers to one or more immobilized capture agents resulting in a signal that is transduced to an ex vivo device.

FIG. 10: Illustration of biofeedback score for determining the likelihood of success of a renal neuromodulation procedure.

FIG. 11: Average kidney NE levels post-ablation.

FIG. 12: Upregulation of BDNF 10 minutes post-ablation in endothelial cells.

FIG. 13: Upregulation of CALCB 10 minutes post-ablation in endothelial cells.

FIG. 14: Upregulation of CD40L 10 minutes post-ablation in endothelial cells.

FIG. 15: Upregulation of CLU 10 minutes post-ablation in endothelial cells.

FIG. 16: Upregulation of EDN310 minutes post-ablation in endothelial cells.

FIG. 17: Upregulation of IL-10 10 minutes post-ablation in endothelial cells.

FIG. 18: Upregulation of KLKB1 10 minutes post-ablation in endothelial cells.

FIG. 19: Upregulation of BMP7 24 hours post-ablation in endothelial cells.

FIG. 20: Upregulation of LIF 7 days post-ablation in endothelial cells.

FIG. 21: Downregulation of NTF3 7 days post-ablation in endothelial cells.

FIG. 22: General protocol for human in vitro gene expression/secretomics experiment.

FIG. 23: Upregulation of LTA in response to inflammation/heat in endothelial cells.

FIG. 24: Upregulation of POU1F1 in response to inflammation/heat in endothelial cells.

FIG. 25: Upregulation of CPS1 in response to inflammation/heat in endothelial cells.

FIG. 26: Upregulation of NODAL in response to inflammation/heat.

FIG. 27: Upregulation of CCL13 in response to inflammation/heat in endothelial cells.

FIG. 28: Upregulation of IL-10 in response to inflammation/heat in endothelial cells.

FIG. 29: Increased secretion of cTAGE-2 in response to inflammation/heat in endothelial cells.

FIG. 30: General protocol for human in vitro gene expression/secretomics experiment.

FIG. 31A: Upregulation of SNCA expression by HCAECs in the presence of secreted proteins from LUHMES treated with inflammation/heat.

FIG. 31B: Upregulation of SNCA expression by HCAECs in the presence of added neuronal (recombinant) factor BDNF.

FIG. 32: Upregulation of BDNF expression in response to heat and/or inflammation in neuronal cells treated with inflammation/heat and with added neuronal (recombinant) factors BDNF or FGF5.

FIG. 33: Upregulation of FGF2 expression in response to heat and/or inflammation and with added neuronal (recombinant) factors BDNF or FGF5.

FIG. 34: Upregulation of ARTN expression in response to heat and/or inflammation and with added neuronal (recombinant) factors BDNF or FGF5.

FIG. 35: Upregulation of CBLN1 expression in response to heat and/or inflammation and with added neuronal (recombinant) factors BDNF or FGF5.

FIG. 36: Upregulation of NRG1 expression in response to heat and/or inflammation and with added neuronal (recombinant) factors BDNF or FGF5.

FIG. 37: Upregulation of NRG2 expression in response to heat and/or inflammation and with added neuronal (recombinant) factors BDNF or FGF5.

FIG. 38: Upregulation of NRG4 expression in response to heat and/or inflammation and with added neuronal (recombinant) factors BDNF or FGF5.

FIG. 39: Upregulation of PSPN expression in response to heat and/or inflammation and with added neuronal (recombinant) factors BDNF or FGF5.

FIG. 40: Upregulation of NTF4 expression in response to heat and/or inflammation and with added neuronal (recombinant) factors BDNF or FGF5.

FIG. 41: Upregulation of TGFA expression in response to heat and/or inflammation and with added neuronal (recombinant) factors BDNF or FGF5.

FIG. 42: Blood collection catheter for real-time assessment of post-procedural biomarkers.

FIG. 43A: NE levels in renal arterial blood prior to and after denervating ablation.

FIG. 43B: Increase in NE levels in renal arterial blood versus control prior to and after denervating ablation.

FIG. 44: NE levels in porcine renal arterial and systemic blood prior to and after denervating ablation.

FIG. 45: NE levels in porcine renal arterial blood prior to and 10 minutes after denervating ablation.

FIG. 46A: NE levels in porcine renal arterial blood prior to and 10 minutes after denervating ablation.

FIG. 46B: Kidney NE levels 14 days after denervating ablation.

FIG. 47: NE levels in porcine renal blood at 2, 5, and 10 minutes after denervating ablation.

FIG. 48: NE levels in porcine arterial renal blood at 10 minutes. B. Corresponding kidney NE levels 14 days after denervating ablation.

FIG. 49: Increase in NE levels after denervating ablation.

FIG. 50: Changes in NE and CFL-1 levels after denervating ablation.

FIG. 51: Partially-schematic perspective view illustrating a renal neuromodulation system including a treatment device configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 52A: Enlarged side view illustrating a neuromodulation and sampling assembly of the treatment device of FIG. 51 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 52B: Further enlarged cut-away view of a portion of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly of FIG. 52A in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 53: Cross-sectional end view taken along lines 2-2 in FIG. 52A.

FIG. 54: Cross-sectional end view taken along lines 3-3 in FIG. 52A.

FIG. 55: Cross-sectional end view taken along lines 4-4 in FIG. 52A.

FIG. 56A: Partially cross-sectional anatomical front view illustrating advancing the treatment device shown in FIG. 51 along an intravascular path in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 56B: Cross-sectional view of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly shown in FIG. 52A within a renal artery in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 56C: Cross-sectional view of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly shown in FIG. 52A illustrating deploying a portion of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly at a treatment location within the renal artery in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 56D: Cross-sectional view of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly of FIG. 52A illustrating occluding a portion of the renal artery at a treatment location in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present technology is directed to methods, systems, devices, compositions, and kits for monitoring neuromodulation efficacy by detecting changes in the level or activity of one or more target biomarkers, as well as methods, systems, compositions, and kits for determining biomarker activity in a patient. Specific details of several embodiments of the technology are described below with reference to FIGS. 1-56D. Although many of the embodiments are described below with respect to methods, systems, devices, compositions, and kits for monitoring renal monitoring renal neuromodulation efficacy, other applications (e.g., monitoring nerve activity in the absence of neuromodulation) and other embodiments in addition to those described herein are within the scope of the technology. Additionally, several other embodiments of the technology can have different configurations, components, or procedures than those described herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art, therefore, will accordingly understand that the technology can have other embodiments with additional elements, or the technology can have other embodiments without several of the features shown and described below with reference to FIGS. 1-56D.

Several current methods for neuromodulation would benefit from a process for rapid evaluation of success of the procedure. Examples of neuromodulation methods that may benefit from rapid evaluation methods include renal denervation, for example to treat clinical conditions characterized by increased overall and particularly renal sympathetic activity such as hypertension, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, diabetes, left ventricular hypertrophy, chronic end stage renal disease, inappropriate fluid retention in heart failure, cardio-renal syndrome, osteoporosis, and sudden death.

Efficacy of many current renal neuromodulation methods is evaluated after the procedure has been completed by monitoring blood pressure, but statistically meaningful changes in blood pressure may not be observed until about 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, or more after completion. In the absence of real-time or at least relatively contemporaneous feedback (e.g., less than about 30 minutes), physicians may miss nerves (i.e., under ablate) with unconventional nerve anatomy or, alternatively, err on the side of over-ablation.

Disclosed herein are several embodiments of methods and processes for monitoring neuromodulation efficacy by detecting changes in the level or activity of one or more target biomarkers associated with neuromodulation, as well as methods and processes of performing neuromodulation that incorporate monitoring of neuromodulation efficacy based on changes in level or activity of one or more target biomarkers. In contrast with many conventional approaches, the disclosed methods are expected to allow for real-time or relatively contemporaneous monitoring of neuromodulation efficacy. In certain embodiments, these methods and processes are used to monitor the efficacy of renal neuromodulation. Also provided herein are methods of treating hypertension in a subject in need thereof using renal neuromodulation, wherein the methods include steps for monitoring the efficacy of the neuromodulation procedure by detecting changes in the level or activity of one or more target biomarkers associated with neuromodulation. Further provided herein are devices, compositions, and kits for use in conjunction with the disclosed methods.

“Neuromodulation” is the partial or complete incapacitation or effective disruption of one or more nerves. Such incapacitation or disruption can be long term (e.g., permanent or for periods of months or years) or short term (e.g., for periods of minutes, hours, days, or weeks). “Renal neuromodulation” is the partial or complete incapacitation or effective disruption of the nerves of the kidneys, including nerves terminating in the kidneys or in structures closely associated with the kidneys. Renal neuromodulation is expected to efficaciously treat several clinical conditions characterized by increased overall sympathetic activity, and, in particular, conditions associated with central sympathetic overstimulation such as hypertension, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, diabetes, left ventricular hypertrophy, chronic and end stage renal disease, inappropriate fluid retention in heart failure, cardio-renal syndrome, osteoporosis, and sudden death, among others. The reduction of afferent neural signals typically contributes to the systemic reduction of sympathetic tone/drive, and renal neuromodulation is expected to be useful in treating several conditions associated with systemic sympathetic overactivity or hyperactivity.

Several embodiments of methods for monitoring neuromodulation efficacy by detecting changes in the level or activity of one or more target biomarkers in accordance with the present technology are described herein. In certain embodiments, these methods can be used to determine whether a neuromodulation procedure was successful, i.e., whether the procedure resulted in partial or complete incapacitation or effective disruption of one or more target nerves. In certain embodiments, these methods include (a) determining a baseline level or activity of one or more target biomarkers; (b) performing the neuromodulation procedure; (c) determining a post-neuromodulation level or activity for the target biomarker(s); and (d) comparing the post-neuromodulation level or activity to the baseline level or activity, wherein the neuromodulation procedure is classified as successful if the post-neuromodulation level or activity differs significantly from the baseline level or activity. In certain embodiments, a significant difference in level or activity means a difference of 1% or greater, for example 2% or greater, 3% or greater, 4% or greater, 5% or greater, 10% or greater, 20% or greater, or 50% or greater. In other embodiments, a significant difference in level or activity means a difference of 2-fold or greater, for example 3-fold or greater, 4-fold or greater, or 5-fold or greater. In other embodiments, these methods include (a) performing the neuromodulation procedure; (b) determining a post-neuromodulation level or activity for one or more target biomarkers; and (c) comparing the post-neuromodulation level or activity to a pre-determined threshold level or activity, wherein the neuromodulation procedure is classified as successful if the post-neuromodulation level or activity is greater than the pre-determined threshold level or activity. In still other embodiments, these methods include (a) performing the neuromodulation procedure; (b) determining a post-neuromodulation level or activity for one or more target biomarkers; and (c) comparing the post-neuromodulation level or activity to a pre-determined range of level or activity, wherein the neuromodulation procedure is classified as successful if the post-neuromodulation level or activity falls within the pre-determined range of level or activity. In certain embodiments, post-neuromodulation target biomarker level or activity is determined in an acute timeframe, e.g., within 30 minutes or less following denervation, thereby allowing neuromodulation efficacy to be assessed while a subject is still catheterized. In other embodiments, however, post-neuromodulation target biomarker level or activity may be measured in a chronic timeframe, e.g., within several hours, days, weeks, or months following denervation. In certain embodiments, the methods provided herein include (a) determining a baseline level or activity of one or more target biomarkers, (b) at least partially inhibiting sympathetic neural activity in a renal nerve of the subject via a neuromodulation assembly (discussed in more detail below), (c) determining a post-neuromodulation level or activity for the target biomarker(s), and (d) comparing the post-neuromodulation level or activity to the baseline level or activity, wherein the neuromodulation procedure is classified as successful if the post-neuromodulation level or activity differs significantly from the baseline level or activity.

Also described herein are several embodiments of methods for determining biomarker activity in a patient in accordance with the present technology. In certain of these embodiments, these methods include (a) transluminally positioning an energy delivery element of a catheter within a target blood vessel of a patient and adjacent to target neural fibers, (b) at least partially ablating the target neural fibers via the energy delivery element, (c) capturing a plurality of at least one type of biomarker in a capture compartment of the catheter, wherein the biomarker is secreted as a result of the ablation procedure, (d) sequestering the plurality of the at least one type of biomarker in the capture compartment to concentrate the biomarker, (e) binding the biomarker to at least one immobilized capture agent disposed on an inner surface of the capture compartment, and (f) detecting a concentration of the biomarker, wherein the concentration corresponds, at least in part, to a degree of ablation of the target neural fibers.

Target biomarker(s) for use in conjunction with the methods disclosed herein may be any biomolecule that exhibits a quantitative and detectable change in level or activity following neuromodulation in a desired manner. In certain embodiments, target biomarkers may be proteins or fragments thereof. In these embodiments, a change in protein level may refer to a change in expression (as measured by mRNA or protein level) or secretion. In other embodiments, target biomarkers may be small molecules, peptides, or other non-protein compounds. Provided in certain embodiments are compositions and kits comprising one or more target biomarkers for use in the methods disclosed herein.

In those embodiments that utilize protein target biomarkers, the target biomarkers may be one or more proteins implicated in a cell death, apoptosis, metabolic modulation, oxidative stress, or neuro-endothelial cross-talk pathway, or proteins involved in neuromodulation, hormone modulation, neuronal stress response, neuronal regeneration, endothelial vasodilation or vasoconstriction, modulation of efferent and afferent sympathetic activation, or regulation of catecholamine production. Specific classes of proteins that may be utilized as target biomarkers in conjunction with the methods disclosed herein include but are not limited to endothelins, neurotrophins, vasoconstrictive proteins, cell surface receptors, heatshock proteins or modified heatshock proteins, secreted inflammatory cytokines or chemokines, and proteins from the renin-angiotensin system. Protein target biomarkers for use in the present methods may be cell surface proteins, secreted proteins, or intracellular proteins. In certain of these embodiments, the protein can be a cell surface receptor expressed on a vessel wall, a secreted protein that exhibits increased or decreased secretion levels post-ablation, and/or an enzyme that exhibits increased or decreased activity post-ablation (see, e.g., FIG. 1).

In those embodiments that utilize non-protein target biomarkers, the target biomarkers may be small molecules such as catecholamines or other neurotransmitters (particularly those associated with sympathetic nervous activity) such as NE, neuropeptide Y (NPY) epinephrine, or dopamine, secreted hormonal or other soluble endocrine molecules, or secreted metabolites or cellular debris.

In certain embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, a change in target biomarker level or activity occurs at or near a neuromodulation site (e.g., at or near an ablation site). In these embodiments, the change can be measured at or near the neuromodulation site or in a biological sample obtained from at or near the neuromodulation site. For example, where neuromodulation is carried out at or near the kidney (e.g., in the renal artery), changes in target biomarker level or activity may be measured in a biological sample obtained from at or near the kidney. A “biological sample” as used herein may refer to any bodily fluid (e.g., blood, plasma, urine, etc.) or tissue that may contain one or more target biomarkers. Therefore, a biological sample obtained from at or near the kidney may be blood or tissue from the renal arteries, renal veins, or elsewhere in the renal system. A target biomarker associated with renal neuromodulation may exhibit changes in expression or activity at any or all of these locations. Alternatively or in addition to locally measurable changes in level or activity, in certain embodiments the target biomarkers may exhibit changes in level or activity at locations remote to the neuromodulation site. In these embodiments, target biomarker collection may take place systemically, for example by collecting a blood or urine sample. In certain embodiments, local target biomarker collection may be preferred to systemic collection because it provides a higher concentration of target biomarker and may allow for more rapid or accurate results than systemic collection. In other embodiments, there may be no preference between local and systemic collection, or systemic collection may be preferred, for example due to ease of collection.

Target biomarkers for use in the methods disclosed herein may exhibit a change in level or activity that correlates with nerve ablation and/or NE levels, for example nerve ablation and/or NE levels in the kidney. In certain embodiments, changes in the level or activity of a target biomarker may be a direct result of neuromodulation, e.g., a direct response to neuronal damage. In certain of these embodiments, the target biomarker may exhibit changes in activity or level as a result of vascular-neuronal cross-talk (see, e.g., FIG. 2). For example, the target biomarker may be an endothelium-based target biomarker, vasoconstrictor, vasodilator, neuromodulator, neurotrophic factor, catecholamine, or vascular responder to signaling molecules such as ATP, neurotransmitters, or calcium that exhibits increased or decreased levels as a direct result of neuromodulation. Changes in the level or activity of a target biomarker may be indicative of a synaptic discharge of substances such as small molecules (e.g., calcium) or neurotransmitters as a result of axonal damage, axonal stress, or axotectomy. For example, sympathetic denervation might result in discharge of NE, NPY, or dopamine reserves at the synaptic ends in the kidney, resulting in a burst that can be collected and detected from renal arterial or venous blood or elsewhere such as in systemic blood or urine. In other embodiments, changes in the level or activity of a target biomarker may be an indirect/surrogate response to the neuromodulation procedure (see, e.g., FIG. 3). For example, a target biomarker may be a protein such as an inflammatory or anti-inflammatory pathway, heat shock response pathway, or stress response pathway protein that exhibits a change in level or activity in response to RF exposure or changes in temperature at or near an ablation site.

In certain embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, neuromodulation efficacy is monitored by detecting changes in the level or activity of a single target biomarker. In other embodiments, efficacy is monitored by detecting changes in the level or activity of two or more target biomarkers. In certain of these embodiments, neuromodulation is classified as successful if each of the target biomarkers exhibits a change in level or activity. In other embodiments, neuromodulation is classified as successful if a threshold number or a specific subset or combination of target biomarkers exhibits a change in level or activity. In those embodiments that utilize two or more target biomarkers, the target biomarkers may be all proteins, all non-proteins, or a combination of proteins and non-proteins.

In certain embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, baseline level or activity of a target biomarker is derived from the subject undergoing neuromodulation. For example, target biomarker level or activity may be measured in the subject at one or more timepoints before neuromodulation. The baseline value may represent target biomarker level or activity at a specific timepoint before neuromodulation, or it may represent an average level or activity at two or more timepoints before neuromodulation. In certain preferred embodiments, a baseline value is based on target biomarker level or activity immediately before neuromodulation (i.e., after the subject has already been catheterized). Alternatively, a baseline value for a particular target biomarker may be derived from a standard value for that target biomarker across the population as a whole or across a particular subpopulation. In certain embodiments, the baseline level or activity of a target biomarker is determined using the same method that is subsequently used to determine the post-neuromodulation level or activity of the target biomarker. In certain embodiments, changes in target biomarker level or activity are calculated based on the difference between baseline level or activity and post-neuromodulation level or activity. For example, the differential (delta) in target biomarker expression levels can be the difference between target biomarker expression at a specific timepoint pre- and post-neuromodulation.

Target biomarkers for use in the methods disclosed herein may exhibit a two-fold or greater change in level or activity in response to neuromodulation. For example, a target biomarker may be a protein that exhibits a two-fold or greater increase or decrease in expression or secretion following neuromodulation. In certain of these embodiments, a target biomarker exhibits a three-fold or greater, five-fold or greater, or ten-fold or greater change in level or activity in response to neuromodulation.

In certain embodiments, target biomarkers for use in the methods disclosed herein exhibit a change in level or activity within a predetermined timeframe post-neuromodulation. In certain embodiments, the methods provided herein allow for real-time or relatively contemporaneous monitoring of neuromodulation efficacy. Accordingly, certain target biomarkers for use in the methods disclosed herein may exhibit a change in level or activity at the time of neuromodulation or relatively contemporaneous to neuromodulation. For example, in certain embodiments a target biomarker exhibits a change in level or activity within 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or 30 minutes of neuromodulation. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, post-neuromodulation level or activity for a target biomarker is determined during neuromodulation or relatively contemporaneous to neuromodulation, i.e., within 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or 30 minutes of neuromodulation. In preferred embodiments, post-neuromodulation level or activity for a target biomarker is determined in an acute timeframe, i.e., while the subject is still catheterized and/or under anesthesia. Alternatively or in addition to a change in level or activity at the time of neuromodulation or relatively contemporaneous to neuromodulation, a target biomarker may exhibit a change in level or activity at a later timepoint (e.g., at a chronic timepoint). For example, in certain embodiments a target biomarker exhibits a change in level or activity within 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, 14 days, one month, two months, four months, or one year of neuromodulation. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, post-neuromodulation level or activity for a target biomarker is determined 2 hours or more after neuromodulation, i.e., within 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, 14 days, one month, two months, four months, or one year of neuromodulation. In certain embodiments, changes in target biomarker level or activity at these later timepoints can be used to assess or classify a subject's response to neuromodulation. The resultant information can be used to develop predictive models for determining whether neuromodulation is likely to be effective in a particular subject or subpopulation.

The methods disclosed herein may be used to monitor the efficacy of neuromodulation carried out using a variety of suitable techniques. The neuromodulation, for example, may be electrically-induced, thermally-induced, chemically-induced, or induced in another suitable manner or combination of manners at one or more suitable treatment locations during a treatment procedure. For example, neuromodulation may be carried out by delivering monopolar or bipolar radio frequency (RF) energy, microwave energy, laser light or optical energy, magnetic, ultrasound energy (e.g., intravascularly delivered ultrasound, extracorporeal ultrasound, high frequency ultrasound (HIFU)), direct heat energy, and/or cryotherapeutic energy to target tissue at a treatment location to induce one or more desired effects at the treatment location. A treatment location may be a location proximate to one or more nerves being neuromodulated. In some embodiments, the treatment location is in or near a vessel or other body lumen. For example, a treatment location for renal neuromodulation may be at or near the renal artery. In certain embodiments, the identity of the target biomarkers may vary depending on the neuromodulation method being used. For example, neuromodulation using RF energy may result in changes in the level or activity of a different set of target biomarkers than cryotherapy. In other embodiments, a specific target biomarker or set of target biomarkers may be effective for monitoring efficacy across a range of neuromodulation techniques.

In certain embodiments, changes in target biomarker level or activity can be used in the prognosis of co-morbidities that are directly or indirectly benefited by neuromodulation. In other embodiments, changes in target biomarker level or activity can be used to predict a subject's response to neuromodulation.

Determination of baseline and/or post-neuromodulation target biomarker level or activity may be carried out using any previously known method and/or methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, for example, determination of target biomarker level or activity utilizes a detection method that produces results in an acute timeframe following neuromodulation. Where a target biomarker is a secreted or cell surface biomolecule, determination of target biomarker level or activity may utilize one or more capture or detection agents. Where a target biomarker is an intracellular biomolecule, determination of target biomarker level or activity may utilize imaging/spectroscopy techniques that allow level or activity to be assessed in a non-invasive manner. In other embodiments, the level or activity of an intracellular target biomarker may require tissue sampling.

In certain embodiments, determination of baseline or post-neuromodulation level of a target biomarker may be carried out using one or more capture agents that specifically bind the target biomarker, such as an antibody or an epitope-binding fragment thereof (see, e.g., FIG. 4; labeled antibody binding artery wall (upper panel) or secreted (lower panel) target biomarker), a ligand for the target biomarker, a receptor for which the target biomarker is a ligand, a nucleic acid complementary to an mRNA sequence encoding the target biomarker, or any other agent that specifically binds a target biomarker. In these embodiments, the target biomarker is detected based on binding to the capture agent.

Determination of baseline or post-neuromodulation activity of a target biomarker may be carried out using a detection agent that has a functional interaction with the target biomarker, such as a substrate for the target biomarker or an enzyme or catalytic antibody for which the target biomarker is a substrate (see, e.g., FIG. 4; scissors represent enzymatic detection agent capable of cleaving target biomarker). In these embodiments, target biomarker activity is detected based on presence of a specific function (e.g., substrate conversion). Alternatively, determination of target biomarker activity may be carried out using a capture agent specific for an enzymatic product or by-product of the target biomarker.

Capture or detection agents for use in determining the activity of a target biomarker may be in solution, or they may be immobilized on a surface such as a bead, resin, or one or more surfaces of a neuromodulation or other treatment device, a component thereof, or a separate capture device. Examples of suitable resins include, for example, hydrophobic resins, cation/anion exchange resins (e.g., carboxymethyl, sulfopropyl/diethylamine), immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) resins, and polar chromatographic resins (e.g., silica gel). In those embodiments that utilize a surface such as a bead or resin, all capture agents on the surface may be specific for a single target biomarker. Alternatively, capture or detection agents for multiple target biomarkers may be present on a single surface, allowing for simultaneous detection and analysis of multiple target biomarkers. In those embodiments wherein capture or detection agents are immobilized on one or more surfaces of a treatment device, a component thereof, or a separate capture device, the capture or detection agents may be on the outside of the device, i.e., in direct contact with arterial blood or the artery wall. In other embodiments, the capture or detection agents may be on an internal surface, such as the interior of a catheter or a capture compartment.

In certain embodiments, binding of a target biomarker to a capture agent and/or interaction of the target biomarker with a detection agent results in a quantifiable signal. This quantifiable signal may be, for example, a colorimetric, fluorescent, heat, energy, or electric signal. In certain embodiments, this signal may be transduced to an external visual output device (see, e.g., FIG. 5). In certain embodiments, a capture or detection agent may be labeled, such as for example with an enzymatic or radioactive label. A capture or detection agent may be a binding substrate for a secondary capture agent, such as a labeled antibody.

In certain embodiments, binding of a target biomarker to a capture agent results in a signal that which can be transduced to an external monitoring device. For example, binding of a target biomarker to a capture or detection agent may be detected using a high sensitivity fluorescence technique such as a resonance energy transfer method (e.g., Forster resonance energy transfer, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer, or surface plasmon resonance energy transfer). FIG. 6 illustrates a quantum dot embodiment for generating a signal based on binding of a target biomolecule to an affinity ligand capture agent (e.g., an antibody, peptide, small molecule drug, or inhibitor). Quantum dots are nanometer sized semiconductor crystals that fluoresce when excited with the proper frequency of light (see, e.g., Xing Nat Protoc 2:1152 (2007)). The emitted light is tuned by the size of the nanocrystal, and excitation frequencies range from near IR to UV. Dynamic visualization through skin has been demonstrated in animals using near IR radiation.

In certain embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, determination of baseline and/or post-neuromodulation target biomarker level or activity is carried out using any immunoassay-based method. For example, target biomarker levels may be determined using an electrochemical immunosensor (see, e.g., FIG. 7), which provides concentration-dependent signaling (see, e.g., Centi Bioanalysis 1:1271 (2009); Rusling Analyst 135:2496 (2010)). Antibodies for use in an immunoassay-based determination of target biomarker level or activity may be labeled or unlabeled.

Determination of baseline and/or post-neuromodulation target biomarker level or activity may take place in vivo in some embodiments. For example, the determination may be carried out using the same device that is used to carry out neuromodulation or a component attached to the treatment device. Alternatively, determination of biomarker level or activity may be carried out using a separate device. In certain of these embodiments, the separate device can be delivered to the neuromodulation site via the same catheter used to deliver the treatment device. In other embodiments, however, determination of baseline and/or post-neuromodulation target biomarker level or activity takes place ex vivo.

In some embodiments, the interaction between a target biomarker and a capture or detection agent takes place at or near the neuromodulation site, e.g., near the renal artery. In certain of these embodiments, a target biomarker binds to a capture or detection agent in the bloodstream or at the surface of the arterial wall. In these embodiments, the capture or detection agent may be in solution (i.e., in the bloodstream) or immobilized to a surface that is in contact with the bloodstream and/or arterial wall. For example, a device or component thereof in which a capture or detection agent is integrated may be a balloon coated with one or more detection molecules that inflates to touch the ablated artery wall (see, e.g., FIG. 8, lower panel). Captured target biomarkers may be detected in vivo, or the balloon-based device may be removed for target biomarker detection ex vivo.

In other embodiments, however, the interaction between a target biomarker and a capture or detection agent can take place away from the neuromodulation site. For example, target biomarkers may be removed from a neuromodulation site and sequestered in a capture compartment (see, e.g., FIG. 8, upper panel). In those embodiments that utilize a capture compartment, the capture compartment may be located in vivo or ex vivo. In certain of these embodiments, the capture compartment may be located in vivo initially, then removed from the body for analysis (i.e., removed from the body prior to contact with capture or detection agents). In certain embodiments, a target biomarker may be contacted with capture or detection agents inside the capture compartment. In other embodiments, exposure to capture or detection agents may take place after a biological sample has been removed from the capture compartment. In certain embodiments, target biomarkers may be concentrated prior to or simultaneous with exposure to capture or detection agents. In those embodiments that utilize a capture compartment, concentration may be carried out within the capture compartment or after the biological sample has been removed from the capture compartment. In certain embodiments, concentration of target biomarkers may be carried out using one or more filters integrated into the capture device or capture compartment. For example, a first filter at the distal end of a capture compartment may be selected such that it allows passage of the target biomarker into the capture compartment while preventing passage of other biomolecules. A second filter at a proximal end of the capture component may be selected such it prevents passage of the target biomarker out of the capture compartment while allowing blood to flow out of the capture compartment. Through the use of one or more filters, a target biomarker may be concentrated within the capture compartment. Alternatively or in addition to the use of filters, one or more additional steps may be taken to concentrate target biomarkers in the capture compartment or after removal from the capture compartment. For example, target biomarkers may be concentrated using beads.

A representative embodiment of a target biomarker detection method and device is set forth in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, a blood sample containing secreted target biomarkers A and B is captured from near the ablation sites using a catheter based capture device (FIG. 9A), as will be described in more detail below. This capture step results in sequestration of the target biomarkers in a capture compartment wherein the biomarkers are concentrated. The target biomarkers bind to one or more immobilized capture agents on the inner surface of the capture compartment (FIG. 9B). Binding of the target biomarkers to the immobilized capture agents results in a signal that is transduced to an ex vivo device via an output generator (FIG. 9C). Examples of devices for carrying out these and other embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 51-56D.

In certain embodiments, the methods provided herein produce a biofeedback score indicating to a practitioner the likelihood that a neuromodulation procedure was successful. For example, a biofeedback score falling within a certain range indicates that the procedure was likely successful, while a score falling outside this range indicates that the procedure was unsuccessful (see, e.g., FIG. 10). In other embodiments, the methods provided herein provide a binary “yes or no” indicator of the success of a neuromodulation procedure. In these embodiments, a specific threshold increase or decrease in the level or activity of a target biomarker or set of target biomarkers indicates the neuromodulation procedure was successful. In certain of these embodiments, the specific threshold change indicates that the neuromodulation procedure was successful with a specific confidence interval (e.g., 95% or greater, 97% or greater, or 99% or greater). In some embodiments, information regarding changes in the level or activity of a target biomarker may be combined with one or more additional parameters such as temperature, nerve signaling data, or impedance in assessing neuromodulation efficacy. Further, efficacy may be evaluated based on a combination of all parameters, with changes in target biomarker level or activity simply functioning as one of the parameters.

For example, as disclosed in Example 1 below, a set of candidate protein target biomarkers was screened in vivo to identify proteins exhibiting a change in expression level in renal tissue at various timepoints following ablation. This resulted in the identification of a set of secreted, cell surface, and intracellular protein target biomarkers that showed increased or decreased expression levels at 10 minutes, 24 hours, and 7 days post-ablation.

Examples of secreted protein target biomarkers that were upregulated within 10 minutes of ablation include brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), calcitonin-related polypeptide beta (CALCB, CGRP), CD40L ligand (CD40L, CD40LG), clusterin (CLU), endothelin-3 (EDN3), interleukin 10 (IL-10), and kalakrein B1 (KLKB1). Examples of cell surface protein target biomarkers that were upregulated within 10 minutes of ablation include selectin E (SELE) and DnaJ (Hsp40) homolog superfamily A member 4 (DNAJA4). Examples of intracellular protein target biomarkers that were upregulated within 10 minutes of ablation include BTG2 family member 2 (BTG2), DNAJA4, DnaJ (Hsp40) homolog superfamily B member 1 (DNAJB1), FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (FOS), heat shock 27 kDa protein 1 (HSPB1), heat shock 60 kDa protein 1 (HSPD1), and heat shock 105 kDa/110 kDa protein 1 (HSPH1).

Examples of secreted protein target biomarkers that were upregulated within 24 hours of ablation include bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7), IL-10, tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1B (TNFRSF1B), and leukemia inhibitor factor (LIF). Examples of cell surface protein target biomarkers that were upregulated within 24 hours of ablation include ATPase/Na/K transporting alpha 1 polypeptide (ATP1A1), endothelin receptor type B (ETB, EDNRB), integrin alpha M (ITGAM, CD11b), solute carrier family 2 (facilitated glucose/fructose transporter) member 5 (SLC2A5/GLUT5), SELE, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and TNFRSF1B. Examples of surface protein target biomarkers that were downregulated within 24 hours of ablation include melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R). Examples of intracellular protein target biomarkers that were upregulated within 24 hours of ablation include heme oxygenase (decycling) 1 (HMOX-1), heat shock 70 kDa protein 5 (HSPAS), HSPD1, HSPH1, ATP1A1, and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2).

Examples of secreted protein target biomarkers that were upregulated within 7 days of ablation include natriuretic peptide B (BNP), CD40L, CLU, Fas ligand (FASLG), IL-10, TNFRSF1B, and LIF. Examples of secreted protein target biomarkers that were downregulated within 7 days of ablation include neurotrophin 3 (NTF3). Examples of cell surface protein target biomarkers that were upregulated within 7 days of ablation include ATP1A1, EDNRB, ITGAM, purinergic receptor P2Y G-protein coupled 12 (P2RY12), SELE, SLC2A5/GLUT5, Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), TLR4, Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), and TNFRSF1B. Examples of cell surface protein target biomarkers that were downregulated within 7 days of ablation include adrenergic alpha 2B receptor (ADRA2b). Examples of intracellular protein target biomarkers that were upregulated within 7 days of ablation include CDKN2B (p15), HMOX-1, heat shock 70 kDa protein 14 (HSPA14), ATP1A1, and HSPD1. Examples of intracellular protein target biomarkers that were downregulated within 7 days of ablation include CDKN1B (p27).

As disclosed in Example 2 below, a set of candidate protein target biomarkers was screened in vitro to identify proteins exhibiting a change in expression or secretion level at 1, 5, and 10 minutes after exposure to heat, inflammation, or a combination thereof. This resulted in the identification of a set of protein target biomarkers that showed increased expression or secretion levels at 1, 5, or 10 minutes post-ablation. Examples of protein target biomarkers that exhibited an increase in expression include caspase 10 (CASP10), CCL13 (MCP4), CCND1, CD70, alpha B crystalline (CRYAB), CPS1, DNAJB1, DNAJB11, heat shock 70 kDa protein 1A (HSPA1A), heat shock 70 kDa protein 1B (HSPA1B), heat shock protein B6 (HSPB6), IL-10, KIT, lymphotoxin alpha (LTA), myosin light chain kinase 3 (MYLK3), NODAL, NPY1R, POU1F1, and TCP-1-alpha (TCP1). Examples of protein target biomarkers that exhibited an increase in secretion include actin, cytoplasmic (ACTA2), S100 calcium binding protein A6 (CACY/2A9), cofilin-1 (CFL1), protein cTAGE-2 (CTAG1A1/CTAG21), L-lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA), transmembrane protein 141 (MGC141/TMEM141), N-alpha-acetyltransferase 20 (NAA20/NAT5), nucleoside diphosphate kinase B (NM23B), phytanoyl-CoA deoxygenase, peroxisomal (PAHX/PHYH1), prefoldin subunit 1 (PFDN1), serine/threonine protein kinase (PLK-2), tubulin alpha-1B-chain (TUBA1B), and vimentin (VIM).

As further disclosed in Example 2, a set of candidate protein target biomarkers was screened by treating a set of neuronal cells with heat, inflammation, or a combination thereof, then treating a set of endothelial cells with the neuronal cell secretome, i.e., conditioned media from the heat/inflammation treated neuronal cells. This conditioned media contains neuronal protein and non-protein stress factors that exhibit increased secretion after heat/inflammation treatment. Alternatively, the endothelial cells were treated directly with recombinant factors including neurotropic factor or angiogenic growth factors (e.g., BDNF, FGF5). Examples of protein target biomarkers that exhibited an increase in expression in the second set of cells include synuclein alpha (SNCA), BDNF, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), fibroblast growth factor 2 (basic) (FGF2), glial cell-derived factor 2 (basic) (GDNF), beta nerve growth factor 2 (NGF2), neurotrophin-3 (NTF3), PF4, EDN2, ACE2, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), artemin (ARTN), LIF, cerebellin 1 precursor (CBLN1), neuregulin 1 (NRG1), neuregulin 2 (NRG2), neuregulin 4 (NRG4), persephin (PSPN), NTF4, and transforming growth factor alpha (TGFA).

As disclosed in Example 3 below, an additional set of protein and non-protein candidate target biomarkers will be screened in vivo to identify potential target biomarkers exhibiting a change in renal arterial or venous blood levels at various timepoints following ablation. As set forth in Example 3, an initial evaluation using this screen was carried out using NE and CFL1. Additional candidate target biomarkers that may be evaluated in this screen include NPY, DBN, Ca²⁺, renin, dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH), angiotensin (AGT), endothelin 1, 2, and 3, neurotensin (NTS), and amyloid beta (A4) precursor protein (APP).

In certain embodiments, the methods disclosed herein utilize one or more of the target biomarkers listed above from the in vivo and in vitro studies to evaluate the efficacy of renal neuromodulation. Provided herein in certain embodiments are compositions comprising capture or detection agents specific to one or more of these target biomarkers, as well as kits, panels, and arrays comprising such capture or detection agents.

The following examples are provided to better illustrate the disclosed technology and are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the technology. To the extent that specific materials are mentioned, it is merely for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the technology. It will be understood that many variations can be made in the procedures herein described while still remaining within the bounds of the present technology. It is the intention of the inventors that such variations are included within the scope of the technology.

EXAMPLES Example 1: In Vivo Target Biomarker Screening (Porcine Renal Tissue)

Gene expression studies were conducted in renal artery tissue samples from domestic swine to identify candidate target biomarkers that exhibit a change in expression level at various time points after renal denervation/ablation.

Animals were broken into three groups of three animals each: naïve (no treatment), sham (catheterized but not ablated), and treated (subject to ablation at 65° C. and 90 seconds using a spiral ablation catheter device). Left and right renal arteries and surrounding tissue samples were obtained by sampling tissue in the area of ablation at 10 minutes (“day 0”), 7 days, or 24 hours post-treatment. Slices from the center of ablation sites were removed for histopathological analysis, and the ablation sites were cleaned up by removing any non-ablated tissue and pooled. Tissue was maintained during the dissection process using RNALater.

Pooled tissue samples were weighed and mixed under frozen conditions, and then added to round-bottomed tubes containing 2× stainless steel beads (5 mm diameter) at room temperature. 900 μL QIAzol lysis reagent was added to each tube, and the tissue was macerated using the TissueLyser II Adaptor Set with disruption at 30 Hz (3×2 minutes) to release RNA. An additional 300 μL of lysis buffer was added to each tube, and the disruption cycle was repeated (1×2 minutes at 30 Hz). Lysates were transferred to new Eppendorf tubes for mRNA isolation.

120 μl gDNA Eliminator Solution was added to each lysate sample, and tubes were shaken vigorously for 15 seconds. 180 μL of chloroform was added, and tubes were again shaken vigorously for 15 seconds. After 2-3 minutes at room temperature, tubes containing homogenate were centrifuged at 12,000×g for 15 minutes at 4° C. The centrifuge was warmed to room temperature, and the upper aqueous phase was transferred to a new Eppendorf tube. An equal volume of 70% ethanol was added to each tube with thorough mixing, and 700 μL of each sample was transferred to an RNeasy Mini spin column in a 2 mL collection tube. Samples were centrifuged for 15 seconds at >8000×g (>10,000 rpm) at room temperature and flow-thru was discarded. The ethanol mixing and RNeasy centrifugation steps were repeated until all sample was used up. 700 μL of Buffer RWT was added to each spin column, followed by centrifugation for 15 seconds at >8,000×g (>10,000 rpm) to wash the membrane. Flow-thru was discarded, and 500 μL Buffer RPE was added each spin column, followed by centrifugation for 15 seconds at >8,000×g (>10,000 rpm). Flow thru was discarded, and 500 μl Buffer RPE was again added to each spin column, followed by centrifugation for 2 minutes at >8,000×g (>10,000 rpm) to wash the membrane. RNeasy spin columns were placed in a new 2 mL collection tube and centrifuged at full speed for 1 minute. The spin column was placed in a new 1.5 mL collection tube, 50 μL RNase free water was added directly to the spin column membrane, and RNA eluted was eluted by centrifugation for 1 minute at >8,000×g (>10,000 rpm). This step was repeated using another 50 μL of RNase free water. To ensure significance, A260 readings were verified to be greater than 0.15. An absorbance of 1 unit at 260 nm corresponds to 44 μg of mRNA per mL (A260=1=44 μg/mL) at neutral pH.

ABI High Capacity cDNA kits were used to convert mRNA to cDNA for quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). PCR was performed in optical 384-well plates, freshly prepared on the Eppendorf epMotion liquid handler. Final reaction volume was 20 μL (4 μL Taqman Assay+mixture of 6 μL cDNA (3 ng)+10 μL Universal Master Mix with UNG). Assays were performed to include +RT (reverse transcriptase) samples and, when appropriate, a −RT control. Endogenous controls (×2) were run in triplicate and animal samples were run only once for screening purposes. The real-time PCR protocol included an initial step of 50° C. (2 minutes) to activate the DNA polymerase, denaturation by a hot start at 95° C. for 10 minutes, and 40 cycles of a two-step program (denaturation at 95° C. for 15 seconds for primer annealing/extension at 60° C. for 1 minute). Fluorescence data was collected at 60° C. Fluorescence was quantified with the ABI PRISM 7900HT, and the resultant data was analyzed using SDS RQ Manager (1.2.1) Software (Sequence Detection System Software, Applied Biosystems). Each candidate target biomarker was checked, and threshold and baseline was adjusted to produce (in A Rn versus Cycle) an amplification curve of the type suggested by Applied Biosystems in their “Relative Quantification Using Comparative Ct Getting Started Guide.” A calibrator was selected for calculation of the RQ (relative quantification). The calibrator was based on an average of 6× figures from the three naïve animals, left & right arteries, resulting in a numerical result of 1 for the naïve RQ. For calculation of the RQ for the standard deviation (SD) of the naïves, any other experimental animal was used as a calibrator (generally the first animal for Day 0 treated). RQ averages of animals (×3) in the same treatment group were calculated for each point and for each candidate target biomarker individually, and plotted in bar graphs.

Renal NE and dopamine (DBN) levels in naïve, sham, and test animals were evaluated at 10 minutes, 24 hours, and 7 days. Average kidney NE production post-ablation is shown in FIG. 11. Candidate genes were evaluated for their ability to provide a graded response that correlates with NE production.

The initial screen was carried out using the 70 candidate target biomarkers set forth in Table 1. Shaded genes exhibited an increase or decrease in expression within 10 minutes, 24 hours, and/or 7 days of ablation. Preferred target biomarkers are those exhibiting at least a two-fold change in expression within 10 minutes of ablation. From the initial screen, this group included the genes BDNF, CALCB, CD40L, CLU, EDN3, IL-10, KLKB1, SELE, DNAJA4, BTG2, DNAJB1, FOS, HSPB1, HSPD1, and HSPH1. Of these, the most preferred biomarkers are the secreted proteins BDNF, CALCB, CD40L, CLU, EDN3, IL-10, and KLKB1. Additional screens may be carried out to evaluate candidate target biomarker expression at later time periods (e.g., 1 month, 6 months, or one year post-ablation) in order to validate efficacy as long-term target biomarkers and durability of changes in expression.

TABLE 1 Gene Product Gene (Reference) Location Result Function/Description BDNF Secreted Upregulated Promotes survival and (Frostick Microsurgery 10 minutes differentiation of selected 18:397 (1998); Heberlein post-ablation neuronal populations of the Psychopharmacology (FIG. 12) peripheral and central (Berl) 209:213 (2010)) nervous system, participates in axonal growth and pathfinding and in modulation of dendritic growth and morphology CALCB Secreted Upregulated Potent vasodilator and (Xie Hypertension 10 minutes hypotensor, potential 54:1298 (2009); post-ablation neurotransmitter or Xie J Pharmacol Exp (FIG. 13) neuromodulator role Ther 325:751 (2008)) CD40L Secreted Upregulated Pro-inflammatory and (Jin Anticancer Drugs 10 minutes immunoregulatory 23:445 (2012)) post-ablation functions (FIG. 14) Upregulated 7 days post-ablation CLU Secreted Upregulated Secreted chaperone (Lu CurrMed Chem 10 minutes (heatshock protein) 17:957 (2010)) post-ablation (FIG. 15) Upregulated 7 days post-ablation EDN3 Secreted Upregulated Potent vasoconstrictive (Paulis Nat Rev Cardiol 10 minutes peptide 7:431 (2010)) post-ablation (FIG. 16) IL-10 Secreted Upregulated Anti-inflammatory cytokine (Zager Am J Physiol 10 minutes with pleiotropic effects in Renal Physiol 301:F1334 post-ablation immunoregulation and (2011); Lu CurrMed (FIG. 17) inflammation, inhibits Chem 17:957 (2010)) Upregulated synthesis of various 24 hours cytokines including IFN-γ, post-ablation IL-2, IL-3, TNF, and GM- Upregulated CSF produced by activated 7 days macrophages and post-ablation helper T-cells KLKB1 Secreted Upregulated Participates in surface- (Paulis Nat Rev Cardiol 10 minutes dependent activation 7:431 (2010)) post-ablation coagulation, fibrinolysis, (FIG. 18) and inflammation, may play a role in the renin- angiotensin system by converting prorenin to renin (vasoconstriction) SELE Surface Upregulated Endothelial cell adhesion (Sonna J Appl Physiol 10 minutes molecular/inflammation 92:1725 (2002)) post-ablation Upregulated 24 hours post-ablation Upregulated 7 days post-ablation DNAJA4 Intracellular/ Upregulated Protein folding (Sonna J Appl Physiol Surface 10 minutes and heat response 92:1725 (2002)) post-ablation BTG2 Intracellular Upregulated Anti-proliferative, regulator (Struckmann Cancer Res 10 minutes of neuron differentiation, 64:1632 (2004)) post-ablation transcriptional co-factor DNAJB1 Intracellular Upregulated Interacts with Hsp70, (Lu CurrMed Chem 10 minutes stimulates ATPase activity 17:957 (2010)) post-ablation FOS Intracellular Upregulated Apoptosis, regulation of cell (Sonna J Appl Physiol 10 minutes proliferation, differentiation, 92:1725 (2002)) post-ablation and transformation HSPB1 Intracellular Upregulated Stress resistance, actin (Lu CurrMed Chem 10 minutes organization 17:957 (2010)) post-ablation HSPD1 Intracellular Upregulated Chaperonin, involved in (Lu CurrMed Chem 10 minutes folding of mitochondrial 17:957 (2010)) post-ablation matrix proteins Upregulated 24 hours post-ablation Upregulated 7 days post-ablation HSPH1 Intracellular Upregulated Prevents aggregation of (Lu CurrMed Chem 10 minutes denatured proteins under 17:957 (2010)) post-ablation severe stress Upregulated 24 hours post-ablation BMP7 Secreted Upregulated Member of TGFβ (Zeisberg Nephrol 24 hours superfamily Dial Transplant post-ablation 21:568 (2006)) (FIG. 19) LIF Secreted Upregulated Pleiotropic cytokine (Yoshino J Am Soc Nephrol 24 hours involved in nephrogenesis 14:3090 (2003)) post-ablation and ECM repair Upregulated 7 days post-ablation (FIG. 20) ATP1A1 Intracellular/ Upregulated Establishes and maintains (Liu Mol Biol Rep Surface 24 hours electrochemical gradients 38:83 (2011)) post-ablation of Na⁺ and K⁺ across Upregulated plasma membrane 7 days post-ablation EDNRB Surface Upregulated Involved in (Paulis Nat Rev Cardiol 24 hours vasoconstriction, 7:431 (2010)) post-ablation vasodilation, and Upregulated cell proliferation 7 days post-ablation ITGAM Surface Upregulated Mediates inflammation (Pereira Hemodial Int 24 hours and adhesion 14:295 (2010)) post-ablation Upregulated 7 days post-ablation MC2R Surface Downregulated Involved in energy (Paulis Nat Rev Cardiol 24 hours homeostasis, inflammation, 7:431 (2010)) post-ablation immunomodulation, and temperature control SLC2A5/GLUT5 Surface Upregulated Fructose transporter (Soleimani Acta Physiol 24 hours (Oxf) 201:55 (2011) post-ablation Upregulated 7 days post-ablation TLR4 Surface Upregulated Pattern recognition receptor, (Lu CurrMed Chem 24 hours involved in inflammation 17:957 (2010)) post-ablation Upregulated 7 days post-ablation TNFRSF1B Secreted/ Upregulated Involved in recruitment of (Mas Transplantation Surface 24 hours anti-apoptotic proteins 85:626 (2008)) post-ablation Upregulated 7 days post-ablation HMOX1 Intracellular Upregulated Catalyzes degradation of (Sonna J Appl Physiol 24 hours heme, active during 92:1725 (2002)) post-ablation physiological stress Upregulated 7 days post-ablation HSPA5 Intracellular Upregulated Facilitates assembly of (SABiosciences RT₂ Profiler PCR 24 hours multimeric protein Array Human Neurotoxicity platform) post-ablation complexes in ER SOD2 Intracellular Upregulated Destroys superoxide (SABiosciences RT₂ Profiler PCR 24 hours anion radicals Array Human Neurotoxicity platform) post-ablation BNP Secreted Upregulated Involved in natriuresis, (Paulis Nat Rev Cardiol 7 days diuresis, vasorelaxation, 7:431 (2010)) post-ablation renin inhibition, and aldosterone secretion FASLG Secreted Upregulated Triggers apoptosis (SABiosciences RT₂ Profiler PCR 7 days Array Human Neurotoxicity platform) post-ablation NTF3 Secreted Downregulated Neurotrophic growth factor, (Frostick Microsurgery 7 days controls neuron survival 18:397 (1998)) post-ablation and differentiation (FIG. 21) ADRA2B Surface Downregulated Involved in regulation of (Kopp Hypertension 7 days neurotransmitter release 57:640 (2011)) post-ablation from sympathetic nerves and adrenergic neurons in the CNS P2RY12 Surface Upregulated Diverse physiological (Lechner Purinergic Signal 7 days roles including platelet 1:31 (2004)) post-ablation aggregation, muscle contraction, and neurotransmission TLR3 Surface Upregulated Activation of (Musial Pediatr Nephrol 7 days innate immunity 26:1031 (2011)) post-ablation and inflammation TLR7 Surface Upregulated Activation of (Musial Pediatr Nephrol 7 days innate immunity 26:1031 (2011)) post-ablation and inflammation Cyclin-dependent kinase Intracellular Upregulated Potent inhibitor of cell cycle inhibitor 2B (CDKN2B, p15) 7 days G1 progression, potent (Romanenko Diagn Mol Pathol post-ablation effector of TGFβ-induced 11:163 (2002)) cell cycle arrest Cyclin-dependent kinase Intracellular Downregulated inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B, p27, Kip1) 7 days (Andres Cardiovasc Res post-ablation 63:11 (2004)) Heat shock 70 kDa protein Intracellular Upregulated 14 (HSPA14) 7 days post-ablation Angiotensin 1 converting Surface enzyme (ACE) (Frostick Microsurgery 18:397 (1998); Paulis Nat Rev Cardiol 7:431 (2010)) Actin alpha 2 (ACTA2) Intracellular (Yuan Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 284:R1219 (2003)) Activin A receptor type IIB Surface (ACVR2B) (Pache Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 291:F654 (2006)) Angiotensin II receptor Surface type 2 (AGTR2) (Paulis Nat Rev Cardiol 7:431 (2010)) Agouti signaling protein (ASIP) Secreted (Sonna J Appl Physiol 92:1725 (2002)) Arginine vasopressin (AVP) Secreted (Paulis Nat Rev Cardiol 7:431 (2010)) Arginine vasopressin Surface receptor 2 (AVPR2) (Paulis Nat Rev Cardiol 7:431 (2010)) Bradykinin receptor Surface B2 (BDKRB2) (Paulis Nat Rev Cardiol 7:431 (2010)) Caspase 3 apoptosis-related Intracellular cysteine peptidase (CASP3) (Singdha Neurosci Bull 28:14 (2012)) Chloride intracellular Surface/ channel 1 (CLIC1) intracellular (SABiosciences RT₂ Profiler PCR Array Human Hypertension platform) Cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily Surface E polypeptide 1 (CYP2E1) (Wang Exp Toxicol Pathol 61:169 (2009)) DnaJ/Hsp40 homolog subfamily C Intracellular member 3 (DNAJC3) (Sonna J Appl Physiol 92:1725 (2002)) Endothelin converting Surface enzyme 1 (ECE1) (Ihling Curr Vase Pharmacol 2:249 (2004)) Endothelin 1 (EDN1) Secreted (Paulis Nat Rev Cardiol 7:431 (2010)) Endothelin receptor Surface type A (EDNRA) (Paulis Nat Rev Cardiol 7:431 (2010)) Guanylate cyclase 1 soluble Intracellular alpha 3 (GUCY1A3) (SABiosciences RT₂ Profiler PCR Array Human Hypertension platform) Heat shock 70 kDa protein 6 Intracellular (HSP70B) (HSPA6) (Sonna J Appl Physiol 92:1725 (2002)) Interferon (alpha, beta, and omega) Surface receptor 1 (IFNAR1) (Bhattacharya J Biol Chem 286:22069 (2011)) Integrin alpha V vitronectin Surface receptor (ITGAV) (SABiosciences RT₂ Profiler PCR Array Human Endothelial Cell Biology platform) Potassium large conductance calcium- Surface activated channel subfamily M alpha member 1 (KCNMA1) (SABiosciences RT₂ Profiler PCR Array Human Hypertension platform) Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) Intracellular (Liu Cell Stress Chaperones 11:379 (2006)) Kininogen 1 (KNG1) Secreted (Paulis Nat Rev Cardiol 7:431 (2010)) Neuropeptide Y (NPY) Secreted (Krukoff Mol Brain Res 19:287 (1993)) Phenylethanolamine- Intracellular N-methyltransferase noradrenalin (PNMT) (Wong Ann NY Acad Sci 1148:249 (2008)) Paraoxanase 2 (PON2) Surface (Horke Circulation 115:2055 (2007)) Prostaglandin D2 synthase Intracellular/ 21 kDa (brain) (PTGDS) secreted (Vivekanandan-Giri Int J Proteomics 2011:214715 (2011)) Solute carrier family 22 organic Surface cation transporter 1-OCT1 (SLC22A1) (Zhao Cancer Res 60:6276 (2000)) SRA stem-loop interacting RNA Intracellular binding protein (SLIRP) (Lu CurrMed Chem 17:957 (2010)) Superoxide dismutase 1, Intracellular soluble (SOD1) (Sonna J Appl Physiol 92:1725 (2002)) Thrombomodulin (THBD) Surface (SABiosciences RT₂ Profiler PCR Array Human Endothelial Cell Biology platform) Transient receptor potential Surface cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) (Xie Hypertension 54:1298 (2009)) Vascular cell adhesion Surface molecule 1 (VCAM1) (SABiosciences RT₂ Profiler PCR Array Human Endothelial Cell Biology platform) Von Willebrand factor (vWF) Secreted (SABiosciences RT₂ Profiler PCR Array Human Endothelial Cell Biology platform)

Additional screens will be carried out using genes associated with nerves in the renal pelvis, wherein a high percentage are afferent. Examples of such genes are set forth in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Gene (Reference) Location Gamma 2 actin (ACTG2) Intracellular (Higgins Mol Cell Biol 15:649 (2004)) Caveolin 1 (Cav1) Surface (Higgins Mol Cell Biol 15:649 (2004)) Calponin 1 (CNN1) Intracellular (Higgins Mol Cell Biol 15:649 (2004)) Actin binding protein 280 (FLNA) Intracellular (Higgins Mol Cell Biol 15:649 (2004)) Glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2) Intracellular (Higgins Mol Cell Biol 15:649 (2004)) Myosin light polypeptide kinase (MYLK) (Higgins Mol Cell Biol 15:649 (2004)) c-AMP protein kinase A (PRKACA) Intracellular (Kopp Contrib Nephrol 172:107 (2011)) Prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) Surface (Higgins Mol Cell Biol 15:649 (2004)) Prostaglandin E₂ (PTGER2) Surface (Kopp Contrib Nephrol 172:107 (2011)) EP4 receptor (PTGER4) Surface (Kopp Contrib Nephrol 172:107 (2011)) Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) (PTGS2) Surface (Kopp Contrib Nephrol 172:107 (2011)) Tachykinin 1 precursor (TAC1) Secreted (Kopp Contrib Nephrol 172:107 (2011)) Tachykinin receptor 1 (TACR1-NK1) Surface (Xie Hypertension 54:1298 (2009)) TP63 Intracellular (Higgins Mol Cell Biol 15:649 (2004)) Tropomyosin 2 (TPM2) (Higgins Mol Cell Biol 15:649 (2004)) Uroplakin IB (Upk1B) Surface (Higgins Mol Cell Biol 15:649 (2004)) Upk3A Surface (Higgins Mol Cell Biol 15:649 (2004))

Screens will also be carried out using various neuronal genes that are not necessarily associated with kidney afferent nerves. Examples of such genes are set forth in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Gene (Reference) Location Annexin V (ANXA5) Intracellular (Luo Nat Med 5:17 (1999)) Calcitonin gene-related Secreted polypeptide alpha (CGRP/CALCA) (Luo Nat Med 5:17 (1999)) Fatty acid binding protein, brain (FABP7) Intracellular (Luo Nat Med 5:17 (1999)) Neurofilament, heavy polypeptide (NEFH) Intracellular (Luo Nat Med 5:17 (1999)) Neurofilament, heavy polypeptide (NEFL) Intracellular (Luo Nat Med 5:17 (1999)) Phospholipase C delta 4 (PLCD4) Surface/ (Luo Nat Med 5:17 (1999))) intracellular Na N sodium voltage-gated channel (SCN11A) Surface (Luo Nat Med 5:17 (1999)) Beta 1 subunit of voltage gated Na channels (SCN1B) Surface (Luo Nat Med 5:17 (1999))

Additional screens will be carried out using a variety of secreted, surface, and intracellular genes. Examples of genes that may be included in such screens include those set forth in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Gene (Reference) Location Actinin alpha 4 (ACTN4) Intracellular (Higgins Mol Biol Cell 15:649 (2004)) Activin A receptor type IIA (ACVR2A) Surface (Maeshima Endocr J 55:1 (2008)) Aldolase B fructose-biphosphate (ALDOB) Intracellular (Higgins Mol Biol Cell 15:649 (2004)) Biglycan (BGN) Secreted (Wu J Clin Invest 117:2847 (2007)) Complement 5 (C5) Secreted (Kerr Immunobiol 217:195 (2012)) MCP-1 (CCL2) Secreted (Darisipudi Am J Pathol 179:116 (2011)) Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) Secreted (Lo Transplantation 91:70 (2011)) Chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 1 (CCR1) Surface (Dikow Transplantation 90:771 (2010)) Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) Intracellular (Ransom Kidney Int 67:1275 (2005)) Collagen type 1 alpha 1 (Col1A1) Secreted (Reich J Mol Diagn 13:143 (2011)) Collagen type 1 alpha 2 (Col1A2) Secreted (Fragiadaki Matrix Biol 30:396 (2011)) Collagen type 5 alpha 2 (Col5A2) Secreted (Liu Hypertension 55:974 (2010)) C reactive protein (CRP) Secreted (Trimarchi Int J Nephrol Renovasc Dis 5:1 (2012)) Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CNN2) Secreted (Lan Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol (epub Dec. 28, 2011)) Cathepsin B (CTSB) Intracellular (Todorov Kidney Blood Press Res 24:75 (2001)) Cubilin (CUBN) Surface (Amsellem J Am Soc Nephrol 21:1859 (2010)) CXCL5 Secreted (Maity Cytokine 54:61 (2011)) Tissue factor (LOC396677) (F3) Surface (Kourtzelis Blood 116:631 (2010)) Fibrillin 1 (FBN1) Secreted (Gaikwad Biochem J 432:333 (2010)) Ficolin (collagen/fibrinogen domain containing) 3 (FCN3) Secreted (Higgins Mol Biol Cell 15:649 (2004)) Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) Secreted/ (Ford Kidney Int 51:1729 (1997)) surface Fibromodulin (FMOD) Secreted (Lee J Biol Chem 286:6414 (2011)) Fibronectin (FN1) Secreted (Waalkes BMC Cancer 10:503 (2010)) Fucosyltransferase 6 (FUT6) Intracellular (Higgins Mol Biol Cell 15:649 (2004)) Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) Secreted (Saito Hum Pathol 42:848 (2011)) Cybb, NOX2 (Gp91-phox) Surface (Kinoshita Transl Res 158:235 (2011)) Glutathione S-transferase A2 (GSTA2) Intracellular (Leonard FASEB J 20:2624 (2006)) GST Yb-1 protein (GSTM1-1) Intracellular (Abruzzo Free Radic Res 44:563 (2010)) Glutathione S-transferase mu 2 (GSTM2-LOC780435) Intracellular (Yuan Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp 284:R1219 (2003)) Glutathione S-transferase alpha (GSTA1) (GST-α) Intracellular (Obeidat Nephrol Dial Transplant 26:3038 (2011)) Isocitrate dehydrogenase 3 NAD beta (IDH3B) Intracellular (Dange J Biol Chem 285:20520 (2010)) Interleukin 1b (IL1b) Secreted (Grishman Pediatr Res (epub Feb. 15, 2012)) Interleukin 6 (IL-6) Secreted (Zhang Hypertension 59:136 (2012)) CXCL8 (IL8) Secreted (Maity Cytokine 54:61 (2011)) Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS (NOS2)) Intracellular (Ma Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 300:F1410 (2011)) Ketohexokinase (fructokinase) (KHK) Intracellular (Higgins Mol Biol Cell 15:649 (2004)) Lamini beta 1 (LAMB1) Secreted (Sataranatarajan Am J Pathol 171:1733 (2007)) Lipocalin 2 (NGAL) (LCN) Secreted (Zerega Eur J Cell Biol 79:165 (2000)) Maltase-glucoamylase (MGAM) Surface (Higgins Mol Biol Cell 15:649 (2004)) Matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2) Secreted (Mazanowska Transplant Proc 43:3000 (2011)) Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) Secreted (Begatta J Am Soc Nephrol 20:787 (2009)) Metallo thionein (MT1A) Intracellular (Klosterhalfen Biochem Pharmacol 52:1201 (1996)) Neuronal nitric oxide synthase 1 (nNOS (NOS1)) Surface (Zheng Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 301:H2402 (2011)) Prostaglandin E synthase 2 (PTGES2) Surface (Kopp Hypertension 57:640 (2011)) Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 1 (COX-1) (PTGS1) Intracellular (Liu Am J Physiol Renal Physiol (epub Feb. 1, 2012)) Replication protein A1 (RPA-1) Intracellular (Liu Mol Cell Biol 31:4298 (2011)) Replication protein A2 (RPA-2) Intracellular (Nakaya J Biochem 148:539 (2010)) Shingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (SIPR1/EDG1) Surface (Higgins Mol Biol Cell 15:649 (2004)) Serpin peptidase inhibitor clade F (SerpinF1) Secreted (Sigdel Proteomics Clin Appl 4:32 (2010)) Secreted acidic cystein-rich Secreted glycoprotein (osteonectin) (SPARC) (Lloyd-Burton J Comp Neurol (epub Dec. 15, 2011)) Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) Secreted (Lantero Mol Neurobiol 45:76 (2012)) Transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFB2) Secreted (Lantero Mol Neurobiol 45:76 (2012)) Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) Intracellular (Rothmond Anat Embryol (Berl) 209:41 (2004)) Thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) Intracellular (Sun Kidney Blood Press Res 35:35 (2012)) Tight junction protein (TJP1 (ZO-1)) Surface (Higgins Mol Biol Cell 15:649 (2004)) Thioredoxin (TXN) Intracellular/ (Kasuno Rinsho Byori 59:189 (2011)) secreted Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) Secreted (Chade F1000 Med Rep (epub Jan. 3, 2012)) SMAD family member 6 (SMAD6 (MADH6)) Intracellular (Higgins Mol Biol Cell 15:649 (2004)) Galanin prepropeptide (GAL) Secreted (Longley Neuroscience 55:253 (1993)) Nephrin (NPHS1) Surface (Ruotsalainen Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 96:7962 (1999))

Additional screens may be carried out to evaluate changes in various non-protein candidate biomarkers such as NE, DBN, or other catecholamines in renal tissue.

Example 2: In Vitro Target Biomarker Screening (Human)

Additional candidate target biomarkers were evaluated through in vitro screening of human vascular and neuronal cells. Target biomarkers were identified based on changes in expression and/or secretion levels in response to experimental conditions that imitate heat-based stress to neuronal and vascular cells, thereby mimicking in vivo intervention. Specifically, cells were exposed to inflammatory stimulation and/or heat to simulate arterial RF ablation and SNS denervation in vivo.

A first set of gene profiling and secretomics experiments were performed according to the protocol set forth in FIG. 22. In this first set of experiments, Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells (HCAEC), Human Coronary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells (HCASMC), and Lund human mesencephalic cells (LUHMES) were exposed to inflammatory conditions and/or heat, following by secretomic and gene profiling studies. Inflammatory conditions were obtained by treating cultured cells with various inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNFα or IL-1β at about 5 ng/ml) to mimic the cellular environment during neuromodulatory intervention. Cells exposed to heat were subjected to an elevated temperature of 60° C. for 90 seconds and allowed to recover at 37° C. for various time periods (e.g., 30-120 seconds). Cell culture samples were obtained for proteomics analysis prior to inflammation/heat exposure and at 1, 5, and 10 minutes post-exposure.

Cells were lysed, and gene profiling was performed. This resulted in the identification of 19 proteins that exhibited an acute response to inflammation and heat. These proteins are listed in Table 5. Results for LTA, POU1F1, CPS1, NODAL, CCL13, and IL-10 are set forth in FIGS. 23-28, respectively.

TABLE 5 Gene Gene Product Function/Description CASP10 Cysteinyl aspartate protease involved in signal transduction pathways of apoptosis, necrosis, and inflammation CCL13 Chemotactic factor that attracts monocytes, lymphocytes, (MCP4) basophils, and eosinophils, but not neutrophils CCND1 Regulatory component of cyclin D1-CDK4 (DC) complex that phosphorylates and inhibits members of the retinoblastoma (RB) protein family and regulates cell cycle during G(1)/S transition CD70 Cytokine that binds CD27, plays role in T-cell activation, induces proliferation of co-stimulated T-cells and enhances generation of cytolytic T-cells CPS1 Mitochondrial enzyme catalyzes synthesis of carbamoyl phosphate from ammonia and bicarbonate, involved in urea cycle of ureotelic animals, plays important role in removing excess urea CRYAB Members of small heat shock protein (sHSP) family, acts as molecular chaperone by holding proteins in large soluble aggregates, elevated expression in many neurological diseases DNAJB1 Interacts with Hsp70, stimulates ATPase activity DNAJB11 HSPA1A HSPA1B HSPB6 Expressed in multiple tissues, most highly constitutively expressed in different types of muscle including vascular, airway, colonic, bladder, uterine smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and skeletal muscle, has specific functions for vasodilation, platelet function, and insulin resistance in smooth and cardiac muscle IL-10 Anti-inflammatory cytokine with pleiotropic effects in immunoregulation and inflammation, inhibits synthesis of various cytokines including IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-3, TNF, and GM- CSF produced by activated macrophages and helper T-cells KIT Receptor for stem cell factor (mast cell growth factor), has tyrosine-protein kinase activity, ligand binding leads to autophosphorylation and associate with substrates such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (Pi3K) LTA Member of TNF family produced by lymphocytes, highly inducible, forms heterotrimers with lymphotoxin beta MYLK3 Myosin light chain kinases (MLCKs) are serine/threonine kinases divided into two subtypes, MLCK1 subtype is found in smooth muscle and phosphorylates myosin II regulatory light chains at Ser19 NODAL Member of TGF-β superfamily, may be essential for mesoderm formation and subsequent organization of axial structures in early embryonic development NPY1R NPY receptors are Gi/o-protein-coupled receptors divided into four subtypes (Y1, Y2, Y4, Y5), mediate diverse range of biological actions including stimulation of food intake and anxiolysis POU1F1 Member of TNF ligand family, part of POU family of transcription factors that regulate mammalian development TCP1 Molecular chaperone, assists folding of proteins upon ATP hydrolysis, may play a role in formation of BBSome (complex involved in ciliogenesis), plays a role in actin and tubulin folding

The collected cell culture samples included cultured media from the treated cells (i.e., conditioned media) into which the cells can actively secrete proteins, peptides, and non-protein molecules in response to inflammation and heat. These cell culture samples were subjected to secretomics to identify proteins released into culture in response to inflammation and heat. Secretomics assays were performed using iTRAQ methodology (Wiśniewski Arch Pathol Lab Med 132:1566 (2008)). Samples were diluted, digested with trypsin, and iTRAQ labeled using 8-Plex reagent. The resultant complex protein digests were pooled together for MudPIT analysis. Each fraction was analyzed by LC-MS/MS, for acquisition of mass spectroscopy data with the inclusion of iTRAQ quantitation data. The 13 proteins listed in Table 6 exhibited increased secretion after exposure to inflammatory markers and heat. Results for cTAGE-2 are set forth in FIG. 29.

TABLE 6 Protein Gene Function/Description Actin, cytoplasmic ACTA2 Major component of cytoskeletal part of contractile apparatus S100 calcium binding CACY/2A9 May function as calcium sensor and contribute to cellular protein A6 calcium signaling, may function by interacting with other proteins and indirectly play a role in reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and in cell motility Cofilin-1 CFL1 Actin de-polymerization factor Protein cTAGE-2 CTAG1A1/ Antigen overexpressed in many cancers, but also expressed CTAG21 in normal testis, potential role in survival/stress response L-lactate LDHA Catalyzes conversion of L-lactate and NAD to pyruvate and dehydrogenase A NADH in final step of aerobic glycolysis Transmembrane MGC141/ Multi-pass membrane protein protein 141 TMEM141 N-alpha- NAA20/ Catalytic subunit of NatB complex which catalyzes acetyltransferase 20 NAT5 acetylation of N-terminal methionine residue of peptides beginning with Met-Asp-Glu, may play a role in normal cell cycle progression Nucleoside NM23B Major role in synthesis of nucleoside triphosphates other diphosphate than ATP, acts as transcriptional activator of MYC gene, kinase B binds DNA non-specifically, exhibits histidine protein kinase activity Phytanoyl-CoA PAHX/ Plays role in lipid metabolism deoxygenase, PHYH1 peroxisomal Prefoldin subunit 1 PFDN1 Serine/threonine- PLK-2 Plays key role in synaptic plasticity and memory by protein kinase PLK2 regulating Ras and Rap protein signaling, induction by p53/TP53 suggests it may participate in mitotic checkpoint following stress, activated by phosphorylation of Thr-239 Tubulin alpha- TUBA1B Part of microtubule, function in maintaining cell shape 1B chain Vimentin VIM Class-III intermediate filament found in various non- epithelial cells (especially mesenchymal cells), attached to the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria, either laterally or terminally involved with LARPS in stabilization of type 1 collagen mRNAs for CO1A1 and CO1A2

Cell culture samples were further subjected to proteomics analysis using commercially available ELISA assays for proteins encoded by the genes identified in Tables 5 and 6.

A second set of gene profiling and secretomics experiments were performed according to the protocol set forth in FIG. 30. In the second set of experiments, neuronal LUHMES cells were treated with either heat and inflammatory conditions or recombinant stress factors such as BDNF or FGF5, then lysed and subjected to gene profiling. Conditions media was collected from LUHMES cells treated with heat and inflammatory conditions, and endothelial HCAEC were treated with either this conditioned media or recombinant neuronal stress factors such as BDNF or FGF5 for ten minutes. The endothelial cells were then lysed and subjected to gene profiling. Gene profiling of the treated LUHMES and HCAEC cells resulted in the identification of the 20 target biomarkers listed in Table 7. Results for specific proteins in this list are set forth at FIGS. 31-41.

TABLE 7 Protein Gene Function/Description Synuclein, alpha SNCA May be involved in regulation of dopamine release and (FIGS. 31A-B) transport, induces fibrillization of microtubule-associated protein tau, reduces neuronal responsiveness to various apoptotic stimuli BDNF BDNF Promotes survival and differentiation of selected neuronal (FIG. 32) populations of the peripheral and central nervous system, participates in axonal growth and pathfinding and in modulation of dendritic growth and morphology Ciliary neurotrophic CNTF Survival factor for various neuronal cell types, seems to factor prevent degeneration of motor axons Fibroblast growth FGF2 Plays important role in regulation of cell survival, cell factor 2 (basic) division, angiogenesis, cell differentiation, and cell (FIG. 33) migration, functions as potent mitogen in vitro Glial cell-derived GDNF Neurotrophic factor that enhances survival and neurotrophic factor 1 morphological differentiation of dopaminergic neurons and increases their high-affinity dopamine uptake Beta-nerve growth NGF Important for development and maintenance of sympathetic factor 2 and sensory nervous systems, involved in differentiation and survival of neurons and in the control of gene expression for enzymes involved in neurotransmitter synthesis Neurotrophin-3 NTF3 Neurotrophic growth factor, controls neuron survival and differentiation, seems to promote survival of visceral and proprioceptive sensory neurons PF4 Secreted Released during platelet aggregation, neutralizes anticoagulant effect of heparin by binding more strongly to heparin than to the chondroitin-4-sulfate chains of the carrier molecule, chemotactic for neutrophils and monocytes, inhibits endothelial cell proliferation, short form is a more potent inhibitor than longer form EDN2 Secreted Highly potent vasoconstrictive peptides, localized to non- vascular structures including epithelial cells, glia and neurons, principle physiological role is maintenance of vascular tone, have co-mitogenic activity and potentiate effects of other growth factors ACE2 Secreted Carboxypeptidase that converts angiotensin II to angiotensin 1-7, vasodilator Interferon gamma Member of type II interferon family, soluble cytokine with (IFN-γ) antiviral, immunoregulatory, and anti-tumor properties, potent activator of macrophages Artemin Secreted Ligand for GFR-alpha-3-RET receptor complex, can also (ARTN) activate GFR-alpha-1-RET receptor complex, supports (FIG. 34) survival of sensory and sympathetic peripheral neurons in culture, supports survival of dopaminergic neurons of the ventral mid-brain LIF Secreted Pleiotropic cytokine involved in nephrogenesis & ECM repair Cerebellin 1 precursor Secreted Neuromodulator, directly stimulates NE release via (CBLN1) adenylate cyclase/PKA-dependent signaling pathway, (FIG. 35) indirectly enhances adrenocortical secretion in vivo via paracrine mechanism involving medullary catecholamine release Neuregulin 1 Secreted Originally identified as 44-kD glycoprotein that interacts (NRG1) with NEU/ERBB2 receptor tyrosine kinase to increase (FIG. 36) phosphorylation on tyrosine residues, acts as signaling protein that mediates cell-cell interactions, plays critical roles in growth and development of multiple organ systems Neuregulin 2 Secreted Member of neuregulin family (NRG2) (FIG. 37) Neuregulin 4 Secreted Member of neuregulin family (NRG4) (FIG. 38) Persephin Secreted Exhibits neurotrophic activity on mesencephalic (PSPN) dopaminergic and motor neurons (FIG. 39) NTF4 Secreted Target-derived survival factor for peripheral sensory (FIG. 40) sympathetic neurons Transforming growth Secreted Mitogenic polypeptide able to bind EGF receptor/EGFR factor alpha and act synergistically with TGF beta to promote (TGFA) anchorage-independent cell proliferation (FIG. 41)

Example 3: In Vivo Target Biomarker Screening (Porcine Renal Arterial, Renal Venous, and Systemic Blood)

Proteomics detection studies are conducted using porcine blood collected from the renal artery to screen for protein and non-protein candidate target biomarkers that exhibit a change in secretion level at various time points after renal denervation/ablation.

Animals are broken into three groups of three animals each: naïve (no treatment), sham (catheterized but not ablated), and treated (subject to ablation at 65° C. and 90 seconds using a spiral ablation catheter device). Blood is collected using a multi-lumen OTW catheter designed to collect localized blood samples in the left or right renal artery (see U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 61/608,626 (C00002431.USP2)). Denervation is carried out using either a Symplicity™ catheter or an alternate catheter as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/281,361.

For renal artery blood collection, percutaneous vascular access is obtained through the right or left femoral artery and an introducer sheath is placed. Using fluoroscopic guidance, an appropriately sized angiographic catheter is inserted through the introducer sheath and advanced to each renal artery. One or more angiograms are performed for measurements of treated vessels.

Renal arterial blood samples are collected immediately following treatment with the RF catheter and at approximately 2, 5, and 10 minutes post-ablation using a specialized collection catheter that allows for concentration of secreted factors and collection of back flow (FIG. 42). In addition, systemic arterial blood samples are collected pre-ablation and at approximately 30±5 and 60±5 minutes post-ablation. Treatment arms are summarized in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Minimum Minimum Survival vessels number cohort Arm Catheter type required of animals  0 days 1 Symplicity treatment  6  3 (acute) (4-6 ablations) 2 Sham  6  3  (0 ablations) 14 days 3 Symplicity treatment  6  3 (4-6 ablations) 4 Sham  6  3  (0 ablations) 5 (Naïve) N/A  6  3 Totals 30 15

An initial evaluation was carried out using NE and CFL1, with protein levels being assessed by ELISA. Results for NE are set forth in FIGS. 43-49. Results for CFL1 are set forth in FIG. 50.

This screening method may be used to evaluate one or more of the candidate target biomarkers set forth in Tables 1-7. Additional candidate biomarkers that may be evaluated include factors released in the kidney from stressed/denervated nerve ends such as neurotransmitters stored at the nerve ends (e.g., NPY), enzymes stored in nerve ends (e.g., DBH), ions released upon denervation (e.g., Ca²⁺), and factors released from renal artery endothelial cells and the kidney that may play a physiological role in response to stress or modulation of renal sympathetic system (e.g., Endothelin 1, 2, and 3). Examples of these additional potential candidate target biomarkers are set forth in Table 9. Additional screens may be carried out using other porcine biological samples such as urine.

TABLE 9 Factors released in the kidney as a result of denervation Function Norepinephrine/noradrenaline Catecholamine with multiple roles including as a hormone and a (NE) neurotransmitter. NE is converted into epinephrine by the enzyme phenylethanolamine N-methyltransfer (PNMT), with S-adenosyl-L- methionine (SAMe) as the cofactor. Areas of the body that produce or are affected by norepinephrine are described as noradrenergic. One of the most important functions of norepinephrine is its role as the neurotransmitter released from the sympathetic neurons.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) 36-amino acid peptide neurotransmitter found in the brain and autonomic nervous system, augments the vasoconstrictor effects of noradrenergic neurons. Dopamine (DBN) Converted into NE dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH), with O² and L- ascorbic acid as cofactors. Ca²⁺ Mediates nerve signaling and regeneration and could be released upon denervation Renin Highly specific endopeptidase, functions to generate angiotensin I from angiotensinogen in plasma, initiating a cascade of reactions that produce an elevation of blood pressure and increased sodium retention by the kidney. Dopamine beta-hydroxylase Oxidoreductase belonging to the copper type II ascorbate-dependent (DBH) monooxygenase family, present in synaptic vesicles of postganglionic sympathetic neurons, converts dopamine to norepinephrine. Protein exists in both soluble and membrane-bound forms. Angiotensin (AGT) Acts directly on vascular smooth muscle as a potent vasoconstrictor, affects cardiac contractility and heart rate through its action on the sympathetic nervous system, alters renal sodium and water absorption through its ability to stimulate the zona glomerulosa cells of the adrenal cortex to synthesized and secrete aldosterone. Endothelin 1, Endothelin 2, Endothelium-derived vasoactive peptides involved in a variety of Endothelin 3 biological functions. Active form is a 21 amino acid peptide processed from the precursor protein. Active peptide is a ligand for EDNRB, and this interaction is essential for development of neural crest-derived cell lineages, such as melanocytes and enteric neurons. Endothelin receptors are widely espressed in all tissues, consistent with their physiological role as vasoactive peptides. Also localized to non- vascular structures including epithelial cells, glia and neurons. Principle physiological role of endothelin receptors is maintenance of vascular tone. Neurotensin (NTS) 170 AA protein, may play endocrine or paracrine role in regulation of fat metabolism, causes contraction of smooth muscle. Amyloid beta (A4) 770 AA protein, N-APP binds TNFRSF21, triggering caspase precursor protein (APP) activation and degeneration of both neuronal cell bodies (via caspase- 3) and axons (via caspase-6).

Selected Embodiments of Renal Neuromodulation Systems and Devices

FIG. 51 is a partially-schematic diagram illustrating a system 100 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The system 100 can include a treatment device 110 (e.g., a catheter) operably coupled to a console (e.g., an energy generator) 132 via a connector 130 (e.g., a cable). As shown in FIG. 51, the treatment device 110 can include an elongated shaft 116 having a proximal portion 114, a handle assembly 112 at a proximal region of the proximal portion 114, and a distal portion 118 extending distally relative to the proximal portion 114. The elongated shaft 116 can be configured to locate the distal portion 118 intravascularly (e.g., within a renal artery) or within another suitable body lumen (e.g., within a ureter) at a treatment location. The treatment device 110 can further include a neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 carried by or affixed to the distal portion 118 of the elongated shaft 116. The neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 can include one or more energy delivery elements 104 (shown schematically in FIG. 51) (e.g., electrodes) configured to modulate nerves at or near the treatment location as well as one or more sampling ports 108 (also shown schematically in FIG. 51) configured to collect biological samples from the treatment location or another suitable location near the treatment location.

The system 100 can further include an analyzer 120 (e.g., a biosensor) configured to receive and analyze the biological sample collected by the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 for the level or activity of one or more target biomarkers. In certain embodiments, the analyzer may be configured to further analyze one or more additional biological parameters related to neuromodulation.

Upon receipt of the sample by the analyzer 120, detection and/or capture agents within the analyzer 120 can interact with target biomarkers of the collected sample, if present. In at least some cases, binding of a target biomarker to a capture agent and/or interaction of the target biomarker with a detection agent can result in a biomarker response (e.g., a change in color, formation of a reaction product, or another suitable response). The physicochemical transducer 122 can transform the biomarker response into a more easily measureable and quantifiable signal (e.g., a colorimetric, fluorescent, heat, energy, or electric signal) that can be sensed by or communicated to the processing device 124 for storage and/or analysis. The processing device 124 can be operably coupled to an indicator 126 carried by the handle 112. The indicator 126 can be configured to indicate suitable information related to processing the target biomarker (e.g., a sample date, a status of the target biomarker, and/or a status of nerve modulation based on a detected level or activity of the target biomarker). The indication can be auditory and/or visual. In some embodiments, the indicator 126 includes a suitable display component, such as a light emitting diode, an imaging display, and/or a graphical user interface.

In some embodiments, the analyzer 120 is integrated into the console 132 instead of the handle 112. In these embodiments, for example, the analyzer 120 can be configured to receive a biological sample directly from the treatment device 110 (e.g., via a fluid conduit (not shown) (e.g., polymer tubing) within or separate from the connector 130). The fluid conduit can extend between the treatment device 110 and the console 132 where an air or fluid pump (not shown) integrated with the analyzer 120 can draw a biological sample into a portion of the analyzer 120. Alternatively, the air or fluid pump can be housed in the handle 112 to transfer a biological sample to the analyzer 120 contained within the console. In these and other embodiments, the handle 112 can include a removable container (not shown) configured to receive a biological sample collected via the sampling port 108 and conveyed to the container via the shaft 116. For detection and/or analysis of a target biomarker within the sample, the removable container can be removed from the handle 112 and transferred to the analyzer 120 (e.g., when the analyzer 120 is a remote a standalone device or when the analyzer 120 integrated into the console 132, and/or in other embodiments in which the analyzer 120 is remote relative to the treatment device 110). The removable container may be reusable or disposable.

The console 132 can be configured to generate a selected form and/or magnitude of energy for delivery to the treatment site via the energy delivery element 104 of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102. For example, the console 132 can include an energy generator (not shown) configured to generate RF energy (monopolar or bipolar), pulsed RF energy, microwave energy, optical energy, ultrasound energy (e.g., intravascularly delivered ultrasound, extracorporeal ultrasound, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)), cryotherapeutic energy, direct heat energy, chemicals (e.g., drugs or other agents), radiation (e.g., infrared, visible, gamma), or another suitable type of energy. In some embodiments, neuromodulation may be achieved by chemical-based treatment including delivering one or more chemicals (e.g., guanethidine, ethanol, phenol, a neurotoxin (e.g., vincristine)), or another suitable agent selected to alter, damage, or disrupt nerves. In a particular embodiment, the console 132 includes a RF generator operably coupled to one or more energy delivery elements 104 of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102. Furthermore, the console 132 can be configured to control, monitor, supply, or otherwise support operation of the treatment device 110. For example, a control mechanism, such as foot pedal 144, may be connected (e.g., pneumatically connected or electrically connected) to the console 132 to allow an operator to initiate, terminate and/or adjust various operational characteristics of the energy generator, such as power delivery. In some embodiments, the console 132 may be configured to provide delivery of a monopolar electric field via the energy delivery element 104. In such embodiments, a neutral or dispersive electrode 142 may be electrically connected to the console 132 and attached to the exterior of the patient (not shown).

In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a remote control device (not shown) that can be configured to be sterilized to facilitate its use within a sterile field. The remote control device can be configured to control operation of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102, the console 132, and/or other suitable components of the system 100. For example, the remote control device can be configured to allow for selective activation of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102. In other embodiments, the remote control device may be omitted and its functionality may be incorporated into the handle 112 or console 132.

As shown in FIG. 51, the console 132 can include a primary housing 134 having a display 136. In some embodiments, the console 132 includes a processing device 146 having processing circuitry (e.g., a microprocessor). The console 132 can be configured to execute an automated control algorithm 140 and/or to receive control instructions from an operator. Furthermore, the console 132 can be configured to provide feedback to an operator before, during, and/or after a treatment procedure via the display 136 and/or via an evaluation/feedback algorithm 138. For example, the feedback can be based on output from the analyzer 120. The processing device 146 can be configured to execute stored instructions relating to the control algorithm 140 and/or the evaluation/feedback algorithm 138.

The console 132 can be configured to communicate with the treatment device 110 (e.g., via the connector 130). For example, the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 and/or the shaft 116 can include a sensor 106 (e.g., a chemical sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, or a flow rate sensor) and a sensor lead (not shown) (e.g., an electrical lead or a pressure lead) configured to carry a signal from the sensor 106 to the handle 112. The connector 130 can be configured to carry the signal from the handle 112 to the console 132. The processing device 146 of the console 132 can be configured to communicate with the processing device 124 of the analyzer 120 (e.g., via the connector 130, Bluetooth, wireless, or in another suitable manner when the analyzer 120 is within the handle 112 or otherwise remote relative to the console 132).

In some embodiments, the console 132 includes a vacuum 148 or other suitable negative pressure source (e.g., a syringe) operably coupled to the sampling port 108 of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102. In other embodiments, the vacuum 148 can be a standalone device separate from the console 132. The vacuum 148 can be in fluid connection with the sampling port 108 via the shaft 116. Negative pressure generated by the vacuum 148 can be used, for example, to draw a biological sample into the sampling port 108. In yet other embodiments, the treatment device 110 can include an adapter (not shown) (e.g., a luer lock) configured to be operably coupled to a syringe (not shown) and the syringe can be used to apply negative pressure to the shaft 116.

FIG. 52A is a side view illustrating the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 in a low-profile or delivery state in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 can include a neuromodulation element 200, a sampling element 202, and an occlusion element 204. In some embodiments, the neuromodulation element 200 and the sampling element 202 are distal to the occlusion element 204 and the neuromodulation element 200 is distal to the sampling element 202. In other embodiments, the neuromodulation element 200 and the sampling element 202 are distal to the occlusion element 204 and the sampling element 202 is distal to the neuromodulation element 200. In still other embodiments, the neuromodulation element 200, the sampling element 202, and the occlusion element 204 can have another suitable arrangement. A proximal region 208 of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 can be carried by or affixed to the distal portion 118 of the elongated shaft 116. For example, all or a portion (e.g., a proximal portion) of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 can be an integral extension of the shaft 116. In some embodiments, the profile of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly can increase between the neuromodulation element 200 and the sampling element 202. A distal region 206 of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 may terminate distally with, for example, an atraumatic, flexible curved tip 214 having an opening 212 at its distal end. In some embodiments, the distal region 206 of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 may also be configured to engage another element of the system 100 or treatment device 110.

FIG. 52B is an enlarged view of a portion of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 of FIG. 52A. FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional end view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 52A. Referring to FIGS. 52A-53 together, the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 can include the one or more energy delivery elements 104 (e.g., RF electrodes, ultrasound transducers, cryotherapeutic cooling assemblies, etc.) carried by a support structure 210 as part of the neuromodulation element 200. The energy delivery elements 104, for example, can be separate band electrodes axially spaced apart along the support structure 210 (e.g., adhesively bonded to the support structure 210 at different positions along the length of the support structure 210). In other embodiments, the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 may have a single energy delivery element 104 at or near the distal portion 118 of the shaft 116.

In some embodiments, the energy delivery elements 104 are formed from a suitable electrically conductive material (e.g., a metal, such as gold, platinum, alloys of platinum and iridium, etc.). The number, arrangement, shape (e.g., spiral and/or coil electrodes) and/or composition of the energy delivery elements 104 may vary. The individual energy delivery elements 104 can be electrically connected to the console 132 by a conductor or bifilar wire 300 extending through a lumen 302 of the shaft 116 and/or support structure 210. For example, the individual energy delivery elements 104 may be welded or otherwise electrically coupled to corresponding energy supply wires 300, and the wires 300 can extend through the elongated shaft 116 for the entire length of the shaft 116 such that proximal ends of the wires 300 are coupled to the handle 112 and/or to the console 132.

As shown in the enlarged cut-away view of FIG. 52B, the support structure 210 can be a tube (e.g., a flexible tube) and the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 can include a pre-shaped control member 220 positioned within the tube. Upon deployment, the control member 220 can bias at least a portion of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 (e.g., the neuromodulation element 200) into a deployed state (FIG. 56C or 56D). For example, the control member 220 can have a pre-set configuration that gives at least a portion of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 a helical or spiral configuration in the deployed state (FIG. 56C or 56D). In some embodiments, the control member 220 includes a tubular structure comprising a nitinol multifilar stranded wire with a lumen 222 therethrough and sold under the trademark HELICAL HOLLOW STRAND (HHS), and commercially available from Fort Wayne Metals of Fort Wayne, Ind. The lumen 222 can define a passageway for receiving a guide wire 600 that extends proximally from the opening 212 at the tip 214 of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102.

FIGS. 54 and 55 are cross-sectional end views taken, respectively, along lines 4-4 and 5-5 of FIG. 52A. With reference to FIGS. 52A-55 together, the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 can include the sampling port 108 as part of the sampling element 202. The sampling port 108 can be in fluid connection with a sampling lumen 400 that extends proximally along the shaft 116 from sampling port 108 to the handle 112. In some embodiments, the sampling lumen 400 can be coupled to the vacuum 148 or a syringe (not shown) to facilitate retrieval of a sample through the sampling port 108 and conveyance of the sample along the sampling lumen 400. To prevent the sample from contaminating the vacuum 148 or syringe, the sampling lumen 400 can include a one-way valve or seal (not shown) at a location along the length of the sampling lumen 400 distal to the negative pressure source inlet. In some embodiments, an inner cross-sectional area of the sampling lumen 400 and/or an area of the sampling port can be selected to achieve an adequate pressure drop across the sampling port 108.

The sampling element 202 can further include an occlusion member 218 (e.g., a compliant, semi-compliant, or non-compliant balloon, an expandable basket, a stent-like structure, etc.) as part of the occlusion element 204. The occlusion member 218 can be configured to at least partially occlude a vessel (e.g., a renal artery) or lumen in which the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 is positioned. In some embodiments, the occlusion member 218 extends around a segment of the shaft 116 that includes an inflation opening 216. For example, the occlusion member 218 can be laser-bonded or adhered by other suitable methods to an outer surface of the shaft 116 at axially spaced apart locations distal and proximal, respectively, relative to the inflation opening 216.

The inflation opening 216 can connect to an inflation lumen 500 that extends proximally along the shaft 116 from the inflation opening 216 to the handle 112. Control of the occlusion element 204 and/or occlusion member 218 (e.g., control over inflation/expansion volume, inflation/expansion timing and/or deflation/collapse timing) can be manual or automatic (e.g., based on a pre-set schedule or algorithm). As shown in FIG. 55, the sampling lumen 400 and the inflation lumen 500 can be positioned within the shaft 116 at least proximate to opposite sides of the lumen 222. In other embodiments, the sampling lumen 400 and the inflation lumen 500 can be positioned within the support structure 210. In yet other embodiments, the sampling lumen 400, the inflation lumen 500 and the lumen 222 can have other suitable shapes, sizes and/or arrangements.

Several embodiments of methods for utilizing the system 100 to provide real-time or relatively contemporaneous (e.g., less than 30 minutes) renal neuromodulation efficacy feedback in accordance with the present technology are described herein. In a particular embodiment, a method includes: (a) collecting a pre-neuromodulation biological sample at a treatment site via a sampling element 202 of a neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102; (b) determining a baseline or pre-neuromodulation level or activity of one or more target biomarkers within the pre-neuromodulation biological sample; (c) performing a neuromodulation procedure using a neuromodulation element 200 of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102; (d) expanding an occlusion member 218 to at least partially occlude a vessel or lumen in which the treatment site is located; (e) collecting a post-neuromodulation biological sample at the treatment site via the sampling element 202; (f) determining a post-neuromodulation level or activity for the target biomarker(s); and (g) comparing the post-neuromodulation level or activity to the baseline level or activity to provide neuromodulation efficacy feedback.

Referring to FIG. 56A, intravascular delivery of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 can include percutaneously inserting a guide wire 600 within the vasculature at an access site (e.g., femoral, brachial, radial, or axillary artery) and moving the shaft 116 and the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 (in the delivery state) along the guide wire until at least a portion of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 reaches the treatment location (as shown in FIG. 56B). In some embodiments, the shaft 116 and the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 can include the lumen 222 (FIGS. 53-55) configured to receive a guide wire 600 in an over-the-wire or rapid exchange configuration. As illustrated, a section of the proximal portion 114 of the shaft 116 can be extracorporeally positioned and manipulated by the operator (e.g., via the actuator 128) to advance the shaft 116 through the sometimes tortuous intravascular path (P) and remotely manipulate the distal portion 118 of the shaft 116.

Image guidance, e.g., computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopy, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), optical coherence tomography (OCT), intracardiac echocardiography (ICE), or another suitable guidance modality, or combinations thereof, may be used to aid the clinician's positioning and manipulation of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102. For example, a fluoroscopy system (e.g., including a flat-panel detector, x-ray, or c-arm) can be rotated to accurately visualize and identify the target treatment site. In other embodiments, the treatment site can be located using IVUS, OCT, and/or other suitable image mapping modalities that can correlate the target treatment site with an identifiable anatomical structure (e.g., a spinal feature) and/or a radiopaque ruler (e.g., positioned under or on the patient) before delivering the treatment device 110. Further, in some embodiments, image guidance components (e.g., IVUS, OCT) may be integrated with the treatment device 110 and/or run in parallel with the treatment device 110 to provide image guidance during positioning of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102. For example, image guidance components (e.g., IVUS or OCT) can be coupled to a distal portion of the treatment device 110 to provide three-dimensional images of the vasculature proximate the target site to facilitate positioning or deploying the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 within the target renal blood vessel.

Once the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 is positioned at a treatment location, the guide wire 600 can be at least partially introduced (e.g., inserted) into or removed (e.g., withdrawn) from the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 to transform or otherwise move the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 to a deployed state. In the deployed state, for example, the energy delivery elements 104 of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 can be positioned in stable contact with a wall of the vessel or lumen for delivering energy, as illustrated by FIG. 56C. Though the embodiment shown in FIG. 56C shows a deployed neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 in which only the neuromodulation element 200 is spiral or helically-shaped, in other embodiments, all or a greater portion of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 can be spiral or helically-shaped. Furthermore, the neuromodulation element 200, the sampling element 202, and/or other portions of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 can have other suitable shapes, sizes, and/or configurations (e.g., bent, deflected, helical, spiral, zig-zag, Malecot, etc.).

In some embodiments, the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 may be delivered to a treatment site within a guide sheath (not shown) with or without using the guidewire 600. When the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 is at the target site, the guide sheath may be at least partially withdrawn or retracted and the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 can be transformed into the deployed state. For example, at least a portion of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 can have a shape memory corresponding to a deployed state and the sheath can prevent the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 from deploying in response to the shape memory before reaching the treatment location. In still other embodiments, the shaft 116 may be steerable itself such that the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 may be delivered to the treatment site without the aid of the guide wire 600 and/or guide sheath.

Examples of other suitable neuromodulation delivery configurations, deployment configurations and/or deployment mechanisms can be found in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/910,631, filed Oct. 22, 2010, entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR ACHIEVING INTRAVASCULAR, THERMALLY-INDUCED RENAL NEUROMODULATION,” U.S. application Ser. No. 13/281,361, filed Oct. 25, 2011, entitled “CATHETER APPARATUSES HAVING MULTI-ELECTRODE ARRAYS FOR RENAL NEUROMODULATION AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/646,218, filed May 5, 2012, entitled “MULTI-ELECTRODE CATHETER ASSEMBLIES FOR RENAL NEUROMODULATION AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” which are all incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

In the deployed state, at least a portion of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 can be configured to contact an inner wall of the renal artery and to cause a fully-circumferential lesion without the need for repositioning. For example, the neuromodulation element 200 can be configured to form a lesion or series of lesions (e.g., a helical/spiral lesion or a discontinuous lesion) that is fully-circumferential overall, but generally non-circumferential at longitudinal segments of the treatment location. This can facilitate precise and efficient treatment with a low possibility of vessel stenosis. In other embodiments, the neuromodulation element 200 can be configured to form a partially-circumferential lesion or a fully-circumferential lesion at a single longitudinal segment of the treatment location. In some embodiments, the therapeutic element 502 can be configured to cause therapeutically-effective neuromodulation (e.g., using ultrasound energy) without contacting a vessel wall.

At one or more timepoints prior to neuromodulation, the sampling element 202 of the assembly 102 can collect a pre-neuromodulation biological sample at or near the treatment site to determine an initial, pre-neuromodulation level or activity of one or more target biomarkers. In some embodiments, the collected baseline sample can be conveyed directly from the sampling port 108 through the sampling lumen 400 to the analyzer 120 (e.g., when the analyzer 120 is incorporated into the handle 112). The analyzer 120 can be configured to analyze the pre-neuromodulation sample to detect a baseline level of one or more target biomarkers. In other embodiments, the collected baseline sample can be conveyed directly from the sampling port 108 through the sampling lumen 400 to the console 132 via the connector 130 and/or a separate collection connector (not shown) between the handle 112 and the console 132. As discussed below, the baseline level or value can be compared to a post-neuromodulation level to evaluate the efficacy of the neuromodulation. When the analysis is complete, the baseline data obtained by the analyzer 120 from the baseline analysis may be stored by memory of the analyzer 120, or in some embodiments, the baseline data can be communicated (e.g., via the connector 130 and/or wirelessly) to memory of the console 132 for storage and/or processing. In addition, the baseline data may be displayed by an analyzer display (not shown) on the handle 112 and/or the console display 136 (FIG. 51). After the baseline data has been obtained, the baseline sample can be removed from the analyzer 120 in the handle 112 to prevent contamination of incoming samples. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the analyzer 120 can be configured to separate and store more than one sample (e.g., reducing or eliminating the need to service the analyzer 120 in between collections).

After the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 is adequately positioned in the vessel or lumen, the neuromodulation element 200 can be used to purposefully apply or withdraw energy to or from the tissue to induce one or more desired neuromodulating effects on localized regions of the renal artery and adjacent regions of the renal plexus (RP), which lay intimately within, adjacent to, or in close proximity to the adventitia of the renal artery (RA). During and/or after the application of energy, the system 100 can detect changes in the level or activity of one or more target biomarkers associated with neuromodulation and provide real-time or relatively contemporaneous feedback of neuromodulation efficacy.

Before, during, and/or after the energy delivery or withdrawal, the occlusion member 218 carried by the occlusion element 204 of the neuromodulation and sampling assembly 102 can be inflated and/or expanded to at least partially occlude the vessel or lumen proximal to the treatment site, as shown in FIG. 56D (the direction of blood flow is indicated by arrows “BF”). After the occlusion member 218 is inflated and/or expanded, a negative pressure source can be activated to draw a post-neuromodulation sample proximally through the sampling port 108 and sampling lumen 400 to a proximal portion 114 of the treatment device 110 (e.g., the handle 112). Occlusion of the vessel or lumen upstream of the treatment site is expected to isolate and/or preserve target biomarkers released into the vessel or lumen as a result of the neuromodulation. Additionally, full or partial occlusion can cause pooling of the blood in the vessel or lumen distal to the occlusion member 218 that facilitates collection of a sufficient sample size (e.g., 1-5 cc) for subsequent analysis. In some embodiments, a sufficient sample size volume can be significantly smaller (e.g., less than about 1 cc). For example, the sampling lumen 400 may include an in vivo sensor (described below) and/or test element (described below) that can detect biomarker levels in sample volumes less than about 1 cc. Because the average renal artery contains about 1 cc of collectable biological sample, the occlusion member 218 may remain in a fully or partially inflated and/or expanded state for about 1 to 5 minutes before collection to allow sufficient pooling of the biological sample in the renal artery. Alternatively, in some embodiments, collection of a sample can occur during or after neuromodulation without use of an occlusion member 218. In these cases, the sampling element 202 can be distal to the neuromodulation element 200 so as to be downstream of the treatment site with respect to blood flow and more likely to collect target biomarkers resulting from the neuromodulation.

In some embodiments, collection of the post-neuromodulation sample can include an iterative process of inflating and/or expanding the occlusion member 218, collecting a first quantity of the sample, partially deflating the occlusion member 218 to allow perfusion of the renal artery, then re-inflating and/or re-expanding the occlusion member 218 to collect a second quantity of the sample. Such an iterative process can be used to collect any desired number of sample quantities until a sufficient sample volume has been reached. As discussed above, inflation and deflation of the occlusion member 218 can be automatically or manually controlled to achieve a desired occlusion to perfusion ratio. In some embodiments, the therapeutic element 502 can be configured to radially expand into a deployed state 504 at the treatment location.

The devices, systems and methods for conveying the post-neuromodulation sample from the sampling port 108 to an analyzer 120 and for analyzing the post-neuromodulation sample can be the same as that described above with respect to the baseline or pre-neuromodulation sample. Once determining the post-neuromodulation target biomarker level or activity, the processing circuitry associated with the analyzer 120, handle 112, and/or console 132 can compare the post-neuromodulation biomarker level or activity to the baseline level or activity and provide real-time or relatively contemporaneous feedback (e.g., auditory or visual) to the practitioner as to the efficacy of the neuromodulation. For example, target biomarkers for use in the methods disclosed herein may exhibit a change (e.g., a two-fold or greater, a three-fold or greater, a five-fold or greater, or a ten-fold or greater change) in level or activity in response to neuromodulation. If the feedback indicates that a neuromodulation treatment has not been effective, the neuromodulation element 200 can be re-activated (e.g., shifted and then reactivated) to perform a second neuromodulation. Once the second neuromodulation treatment is complete, an additional post-neuromodulation sample can be collected and analyzed to determine whether or not to continue treatment. This process can be repeated until sufficient neuromodulation has been effectuated at the treatment site.

Further Examples

The following examples are illustrative of several embodiments of the present technology:

1. A method of monitoring the efficacy of a renal neuromodulation procedure in a human subject, the method comprising:

-   -   determining a baseline level or activity of one or more target         biomarkers;     -   at least partially inhibiting sympathetic neural activity in a         renal nerve of the subject via a neuromodulation assembly;     -   determining a post-neuromodulation level or activity for the         target biomarker(s); and     -   comparing the post-neuromodulation level or activity to the         baseline level or activity, wherein the neuromodulation         procedure is classified as successful if the         post-neuromodulation level or activity differs significantly         from the baseline level or activity.

2. The method of example 1 wherein at least partially inhibiting sympathetic neural activity in a renal nerve of the subject comprises delivering energy to the renal nerve via the neuromodulation assembly to modulate the renal nerve.

3. The method of example 2 wherein the energy is radio frequency (RF) energy.

4. The method of example 2 wherein the energy is selected from the group consisting of pulsed RF energy, microwave energy, laser light energy, optical energy, ultrasound energy, high-intensity focused ultrasound energy, magnetic energy, direct heat energy, and cryotherapeutic energy.

5. The method of any one of examples 1 to 4 wherein at least partially inhibiting sympathetic neural activity in a renal nerve of the subject comprises delivering a chemical to the renal nerve via the neuromodulation assembly to modulate the renal nerve.

6. The method of any one of examples 1 to 5 wherein the neuromodulation assembly comprises an intravascularly positioned catheter carrying an energy delivery element positioned at least proximate to the renal nerve.

7. The method of any one of examples 1 to 6 wherein at least partially inhibiting sympathetic neural activity in a renal nerve of the subject comprises thermally modulating the renal nerve via the neuromodulation assembly from within a renal blood vessel of the subject.

8. The method of example 1 wherein at least partially inhibiting sympathetic neural activity in a renal nerve of the subject comprises delivering a chemical agent to tissue at a treatment location in the renal blood vessel in a manner that modulates sympathetic neural activity.

9. The method of any one of examples 1 to 8 wherein the one or more target biomarkers are selected from the group consisting of ADRA2b, ATP1A1, BDNF, BMP7, BNP, BTG2, CALCB, CD40L, CDKN1B, CDKN2B/p15, CLU, DNAJA4, DNAJB1, EDN3, ETB, FASLG, FOS, HMOX-1, HSPAS, HSPA14, HSPB1, HSPD1, HSPH1, IL-10, ITGAM, KLKB1, LIF, MC2R, NTF3, P2RY12, SELE, SLC2A5/GLUT5, SOD2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7, and TNFRSF1B.

10. The method of any one of examples 1 to 8 wherein the one or more target biomarkers are selected from the group consisting of CASP10, CCL13, CCND1, CD70, CRYAB, CPS1, DNAJB1, DNAJB11, HSPA1A, HSPA1B, HSPB6, IL-10, KIT, LTA, MYLK3, NODAL, NPY1R, POU1F1, and TCP1.

11. The method of any one of examples 1 to 8 wherein the one or more target biomarkers are selected from the group consisting of ACTA2, CACY/2A9, CFL1, CTAG1A1/CTAG21, LDHA, MGC141/TMEM141, NAA20/NAT5, NM23B, PAHX/PHYH1, PFDN1, PLK-2, TUBA1B, and VIM.

12. The method of any one of examples 1 to 8 wherein the one or more target biomarkers are selected from the group consisting of SNCA, BDNF, CNTF, FGF2, GDNF, NGF2, NTF3, PF4, EDN2, ACE2, IFN-γ, ARTN, LIF, CBLN1, NRG1, NRG2, NRG4, PSPN, NTF4, and TGFA.

13. The method of any one of examples 1 to 8 wherein the one or more target biomarkers are selected from the group consisting of NE, CFL1, NPY, DBN, Ca²⁺, renin, DBH, AGT, endothelin 1, 2, and 3, NTS, and APP.

14. The method of any one of examples 1 to 13 wherein the post-neuromodulation level or activity of the target biomarker(s) is determined at 10 minutes, 24 hours, or 7 days post-denervation.

15. A method of performing a renal neuromodulation procedure in a human patient, the method comprising:

-   -   intravascularly positioning a neuromodulation assembly proximate         to a renal nerve of the patient;     -   determining a baseline level or activity of one or more target         biomarkers prior to or after positioning the neuromodulation         assembly;     -   partially disrupting function of the renal nerve by applying         energy to the renal nerve via the neuromodulation assembly;     -   determining a post-neuromodulation level or activity for the         target biomarker(s); and     -   comparing the post-neuromodulation level or activity to the         baseline level or activity,     -   wherein the neuromodulation procedure is classified as         successful if the post-neuromodulation level or activity differs         significantly from the baseline level or activity.

16. The method of example 15 wherein partially disrupting function of the renal nerve comprises reducing renal nerve hyperplasia in the patient.

17. The method of example 15 or example 16 wherein partially disrupting function of the renal nerve comprises reducing the total number of functioning renal nerves of the patient to levels at or near levels observed in normotensive patients.

18. The method of any one of examples 15 to 17 wherein the one or more target biomarkers are selected from the group consisting of ADRA2b, ATP1A1, BDNF, BMP7, BNP, BTG2, CALCB, CD40L, CDKN1B, CDKN2B/p15, CLU, DNAJA4, DNAJB1, EDN3, ETB, FASLG, FOS, HMOX-1, HSPAS, HSPA14, HSPB1, HSPD1, HSPH1, IL-10, ITGAM, KLKB1, LIF, MC2R, NTF3, P2RY12, SELE, SLC2A5/GLUT5, SOD2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7, and TNFRSF1B.

19. The method of any one of examples 15 to 17 wherein the one or more target biomarkers are selected from the group consisting of CASP10, CCL13, CCND1, CD70, CRYAB, CPS1, DNAJB1, DNAJB11, HSPA1A, HSPA1B, HSPB6, IL-10, KIT, LTA, MYLK3, NODAL, NPY1R, POU1F1, and TCP1.

20. The method of any one of examples 15 to 17 wherein the one or more target biomarkers are selected from the group consisting of ACTA2, CACY/2A9, CFL1, CTAG1A1/CTAG21, LDHA, MGC141/TMEM141, NAA20/NAT5, NM23B, PAHX/PHYH1, PFDN1, PLK-2, TUBA1B, and VIM.

21. The method of any one of examples 15 to 17 wherein the one or more target biomarkers are selected from the group consisting of SNCA, BDNF, CNTF, FGF2, GDNF, NGF2, NTF3, PF4, EDN2, ACE2, IFN-γ, ARTN, LIF, CBLN1, NRG1, NRG2, NRG4, PSPN, NTF4, and TGFA.

22. The method of any one of examples 15 to 17 wherein the one or more target biomarkers are selected from the group consisting of NE, CFL1, NPY, DBN, Ca²⁺, renin, DBH, AGT, endothelin 1, 2, and 3, NTS, and APP.

23. A method of determining biomarker activity in a human patient, the method comprising:

-   -   transluminally positioning an energy delivery element of a         catheter within a target blood vessel of the patient and         adjacent to target neural fibers;     -   at least partially ablating the target neural fibers via the         energy delivery element;     -   capturing a plurality of at least one type of biomarker in a         capture compartment of the catheter, wherein the biomarker(s)         are secreted as a result of the ablation procedure;     -   sequestering the plurality of the at least one type of biomarker         in the capture compartment to concentrate the biomarker(s);     -   binding the biomarker(s) to at least one immobilized capture         agent disposed on an inner surface of the capture compartment;         and     -   detecting a concentration of the biomarker(s), wherein the         concentration corresponds, at least in part, to a degree of         ablation of the target neural fibers.

24. The method of example 23 wherein the catheter further comprises a distal filter at a distal end of the capture compartment, and wherein capturing a plurality of at least one type of biomarker in a capture compartment of the catheter comprises allowing passage of the biomarker(s) through the distal filter into the capture compartment, while preventing passage of other biomolecules through the distal filter into the capture compartment.

25. The method of example 23 or example 24 wherein the catheter further comprises a proximal filter at a proximal end of the capture compartment, and wherein capturing a plurality of at least one type of biomarker in a capture compartment of the catheter comprises preventing passage of the biomarker(s) out of the capture compartment through the proximal filter, while allowing blood to flow through the proximal filter and out of the capture compartment.

26. The method of any one of examples 23 to 25 wherein the capture compartment of the catheter is located within the patient while capturing the biomarker(s).

27. The method of any one of examples 23 to 25 wherein the capture compartment of the catheter is located external to the patient while capturing the biomarker(s).

28. A method of monitoring the efficacy of a renal neuromodulation procedure in a human subject, the method comprising:

-   -   determining a baseline level or activity of one or more target         biomarkers;     -   at least partially inhibiting sympathetic neural activity in a         renal nerve of the subject via a neuromodulation assembly;     -   determining a post-neuromodulation level or activity for one or         more target biomarker; and     -   comparing the post-neuromodulation level or activity for the one         or more target biomarkers to a pre-determined threshold level or         activity, wherein the neuromodulation procedure is classified as         successful if the post-neuromodulation level or activity is         greater than the pre-determined threshold level or activity.

29. A device for carrying out the method of any one of examples 1 to 28.

CONCLUSION

The above detailed descriptions of embodiments of the technology are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed above. Although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the technology are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technology, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform steps in a different order. The various embodiments described herein may also be combined to provide further embodiments. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the technology. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively.

Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in reference to a list of two or more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Additionally, the term “comprising” is used throughout to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same feature and/or additional types of other features are not precluded. It will also be appreciated that specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the technology. Further, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein. 

1-29. (canceled)
 30. A method of assessing efficacy of a renal neuromodulation procedure in a patient, the method comprising: transluminally positioning an energy delivery element of a catheter within a target renal blood vessel of the patient and adjacent to target neural fibers innervating a kidney of the patient; at least partially ablating the target neural fibers via the energy delivery element; determining a post-neuromodulation level for one or more biomarkers in bodily fluid collected from the patient after at least partially ablating the target neural fibers, wherein the level of biomarkers directly or indirectly correlates with sympathetic nervous activity in the patient; and comparing the post-neuromodulation level to a predetermined threshold level for the biomarkers, wherein the renal neuromodulation procedure is classified as at least partially successful if the post-neuromodulation level differs significantly from the predetermined threshold level, wherein one or more of the biomarkers are selected from the group consisting of epinephrine, dopamine, neuropeptide Y, vasopressin, aldosterone, a catecholamine metabolite, or a combined level of norepinephrine and a metabolite thereof.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the one or more biomarkers include the catecholamine metabolite.
 32. The method of claim 30, wherein the bodily fluid comprises plasma or urine collected from the patient within about 5 minutes to about 14 days following the renal neuromodulation procedure.
 33. The method of claim 30, wherein the predetermined threshold level is an upper limit of a normal range of level for the one or more biomarkers.
 34. The method of claim 30, wherein the neuromodulation procedure is classified as at least partially successful if the post-neuromodulation level differs at least about 1% from the predetermined threshold level.
 35. The method of claim 30, wherein the neuromodulation procedure is classified as at least partially successful if the post-neuromodulation level differs at least about 5% from the predetermined threshold level.
 36. The method of claim 30 wherein the neuromodulation procedure is classified as at least partially successful if the post-neuromodulation level differs at least about 10% from the predetermined threshold level.
 37. A method comprising: transluminally delivering a distal portion of an elongated shaft of a catheter to a target renal blood vessel of a patient; at least partially inhibiting sympathetic neural activity of a renal nerve of the patient via a therapy delivered by a neuromodulation assembly carried by the distal portion of the elongated shaft; determining a post-neuromodulation level of one or more biomarkers in bodily fluid collected from the patient after at least partially inhibiting the sympathetic neural activity of the renal nerve, wherein the level of the one or more biomarkers directly or indirectly correlates with sympathetic nervous activity in the patient; and comparing the post-neuromodulation level to a predetermined threshold level for the one or more biomarkers, wherein the renal neuromodulation procedure is classified as at least partially successful if the post-neuromodulation level differs from the predetermined threshold level.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein one or more of the biomarkers comprise one or more of epinephrine, dopamine, neuropeptide Y, vasopressin, aldosterone, a secreted catecholamine metabolite, or a combined level of norepinephrine and a metabolite thereof.
 39. The method of claim 37, wherein the one or more biomarkers include a catecholamine metabolite.
 40. The method of claim 37, wherein the bodily fluid comprises plasma and the one or more biomarkers includes a component of a renin-angiotensin aldosterone system in the plasma, and wherein the component of the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system is selected from a group consisting of aldosterone, angiotensin, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), kalakrein B1 (KLKB1), and natriuretic peptide B (BNP).
 41. The method of claim 37, wherein bodily fluid comprises plasma or urine collected from the patient within about 5 minutes to about 14 days after at least partially inhibiting the sympathetic neural activity of the renal nerve.
 42. The method of claim 37, wherein the predetermined threshold level is an upper limit of a normal range of level for the one or more biomarkers.
 43. The method of claim 37, wherein the neuromodulation procedure is classified as at least partially successful if the post-neuromodulation level differs at least about 1% from the predetermined threshold level.
 44. The method of claim 37, wherein the neuromodulation procedure is classified as at least partially successful if the post-neuromodulation level differs at least about 5% from the predetermined threshold level.
 45. The method of claim 37, wherein at least partially inhibiting sympathetic neural activity of the renal nerve via the therapy delivered by the neuromodulation assembly comprises delivering radiofrequency (RF) energy, pulsed RF energy, microwave energy, laser light energy, optical energy, ultrasound energy, high-intensity focused ultrasound energy, magnetic energy, direct heat energy, and cryotherapeutic energy to tissue of the patient.
 46. The method of claim 37, wherein at least partially inhibiting sympathetic neural activity of the renal nerve via the therapy delivered by the neuromodulation assembly comprises delivering thermal energy to tissue of the patient.
 47. The method of claim 37, wherein at least partially inhibiting sympathetic neural activity of a renal nerve via the therapy delivered by the neuromodulation assembly comprises delivering a chemical to tissue of the patient.
 48. A method comprising: transluminally delivering a distal portion of an elongated shaft of a catheter to a target renal blood vessel of a patient; at least partially inhibiting sympathetic neural activity of a renal nerve of the patient via a therapy delivered by a neuromodulation assembly carried by the distal portion of the elongated shaft; intravascularly obtaining a volume of fluid including one or more biomarkers using the catheter within 30 minutes after delivery of the therapy by the neuromodulation assembly; determining a post-neuromodulation level of one or more biomarkers in the volume of fluid, wherein the level of the one or more biomarkers directly or indirectly correlates with sympathetic nervous activity in the patient; and comparing the post-neuromodulation level to a predetermined threshold level for the one or more biomarkers, wherein the renal neuromodulation procedure is classified as at least partially successful if the post-neuromodulation level differs from the predetermined threshold level.
 49. The method of claim 48, wherein the predetermined threshold level is an upper limit of a normal range of level for the one or more biomarkers.
 50. The method of claim 48, wherein at least partially inhibiting sympathetic neural activity in a renal nerve of the patient via the therapy delivered comprises delivering electrically-induced, thermally-induced, or chemically-induced neuromodulation therapy to tissue of the patient. 